Rampaging Delhi take on Mumbai

Daredevils look to continue momentum against leaders

Delhi Daredevils finally have their young brigade performing at the vanguard and lifting the gloom of five successive defeats.

With two straight victories at home, they have the momentum developing for them and will like to nurture it further when they host the table toppers Mumbai Indians at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on Saturday.

The hosts are invigorated from their sensational chase of 209 against Gujarat Lions, fashioned by 19-year-old local boy Rishabh Pant and 22-year-old Sanju Samson on a batting friendly pitch. Their audacious strokeplay and fearless approach shrunk the intimidating target to run-a-ball, and destroyed the confidence of the Lions’ attack during their seven-wicket victory.

The innings of Rishabh (97 off 43 balls), the Delhi wicketkeeper-batsman, attracted praise from some stalwarts of the game, including Sachin Tendulkar and VVS Laxman. It should do a world of good for the youngster who is counted among the future of Indian cricket.
Undoubtedly, Daredevils, who are walking on a tight rope to the play-offs, have sprung a surprise in the last two contests at home.

Against Sunrisers, too, they completed a successful chase and rose from the bottom of the standings. What, though, has been heartening is the way their youngsters have put their hands up after folding out for mere 67 against Kings XI Punjab.

In the absence of the injured Zaheer Khan, young Karun Nair has led the side, and showed glimpses of forms against the Sunrisers. However, its performance on the outfield begs improvement. The bowling, too, hasn’t been up to the mark in the absence of Zaheer. Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris are set to return home next week, and Daredevils seamers have to find ways to curb the rampaging batsmen on flat tracks.

Mumbai Indians is a side full of match winners, one that rarely gives opposition a leeway. With eight wins from 10 matches, they are already through to the play-offs. The Mumbai side, packed with stars both in the squad and support staff, have flexed their muscles both at home and away matches. Parthiv Patel and Jos Buttler have provided flying starts to the team with Nitish Rana consolidating the middle order with captain Rohit Sharma and Kieron Pollard. Not to forget the Pandya brothers- Hardik and Krunal- who always find a way to make an impact.

Left-arm seamer Mitchell McClenaghan has skillfully led the bowling that also comprises veteran Lasith Malinga and young Jaspreet Bumrah, who has been outstanding with his skill at the death overs. Offie Harbhajan Singh, too, has bowled tight to complement others.

Mumbai are riding a wave and if Daredevils could keep up their spirited performance, there sure is going to be an interesting contest on cards.