IPL 2019 – Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings: Youth takes on experience
Preview:
The contrast is evident. On one side, there is a team brimming with youth and exuberance, while the other is experienced and watchful. Delhi Capitals scored in excess of 10 runs per over in a winning cause while Chennai needed 17.4 overs to chase down 70 runs. Both teams will now have to adjust their game to the Feroz Shah Kotla track.
Delhi Capitals began their season on a winning note by upsetting Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Shikhar Dhawan and Colin Ingram built a steady platform and Rishabh Pant’s pyrotechnics powered them to 213/6. Kagiso Rabada and other DC bowlers rose to the occasion and defended the total with 37 runs in spare. They will need to be on top of their game against CSK’s batting heavyweights.
The insipid IPL opener was won by Chennai Super Kings after knocking down Royal Challengers Bangalore for just 70 runs. On a viciously turning track, Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir embarrassed RCB batsmen by trapping them in the spin web. Super Kings took their time to reach the total and sealed the opening triumph. With the Kotla ground likely to be less helpful, CSK bowlers will have to find other ways to puncture the DC batting lineup.
Numbers you need to know:
Chennai Super Kings have dominated Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla ground. They lead by 4-2. The overall record also favors the Yellow army (12-6).
Amit Mishra has 49 wickets at this ground. If selected, he has a chance to become the second bowler after Malinga to complete 50 IPL wickets at a venue.
Team news:
Delhi Capitals –
Delhi will definitely be thinking of ways to include Amit Mishra in this team. Rahul Tewatia or Axar Patel are probable sacrifices. Chris Morris, if available, can take Keemo Paul’s spot.
Chennai Super Kings –
MS Dhoni chose a side with two specialist spinners in Harbhajan Singh and Imran Tahir for the first match. One of them is likely to miss out in this game at the expense of a pace bowler. A tricky choice awaits CSK team management.
Key battles:
MS Dhoni versus Rishabh Pant –
Star Sports used the competition angle between India’s two leading wicketkeepers to promote the IPL. Pupil Rishabh Pant and master MS Dhoni square off against each other tonight. Both the matchwinners will be eager to destroy their opponent’s bowling unit.
Deepak Chahar versus Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw –
Chennai’s favorite powerplay bowler will be facing a tough contest. Both Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw are explosive batsmen and love to take on the opening bowler. Winner of this contest will gain an early advantage for his side.
Last time they met:
Batting first on their home ground, Delhi posted 162/5 in the first inning. Pant top-scored with 38 while Harshal Patel’s 16-ball 36 proved effective. Rayudu’s 50 from 29 balls kept Chennai’s hopes alive but Delhi bowlers took regular wickets from the other end. Delhi Daredevils eventually pocketed a 34-run win.
