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Who would have thought the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers will be clashing against each other in what is potentially a quarter final, as the team that wins here can seal their spot for the play-offs. The thrilling encounter is scheduled to take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the clash will mark the 55th match of the IPL 2020.

Both the teams would have not been prepared for this scenario as they were placed first and second respectively a week back. But both the teams lost their plot completely in the last few matches and have ended up on the losing occasion on three consecutive occasions now. 

The teams will come on the back of losses as the Delhi team were thrashed by a margin of 9 wickets by the dominant Mumbai Indians. While, the Virat Kohli led side could manage only a score of 120 against the Sunrisers. The Sunrisers who have been in good spirits in the all couple of games, made easy work of the chase as they managed to win the match with 5 wickets in hand and more than five overs to spare.

The last time these two sides met, it was a one sided affair from the ball one as the Bangalore side after winning the toss chose to chase down the score. With all the batsmen getting starts and the Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis playing a wonderful innings of 53 of 26 balls, the DC managed to notch up a winning total of 196. The RCB were clueless in their chase as the wickets kept falling and the only significant contribution of their captain Virat Kohli who scored 43 runs. Delhi finished on the winning side by 59 runs.

Both the teams will be playing their best as both of them are yet to win the IPL title. Despite them having the best players of the sport in their squads the stars have never aligned in their favor. This could be an opportunity for them to break the shackles. 

Who do you think will prevail in the ultimate test? Will the Virat and Co. go out and seal their spot? Or will it be the Shreyas Iyer led Delhi Capitals who have the last laugh?

Head to Head

Matches played- 25, DC- 9, RCB- 14, Tie-1, N/R- 0

Team News

The Delhi side have not reported any injuries. The team does have a lot of issues to address in regards to the form of the players. While the idea of Praveen Dubey replacing Axar Patel in the match against the Mumbai Indians did not work in their favor. DC could well go back to the services of Axar Patel, his experience will prove vital for the Delhi side in this must win match.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore on the other side seem to have been struggling in the last few matches as their key players have not been able to deliver. The team looks well balanced though and the management is likely to feature the same playing Xl that played against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Abu Dhabi has been on the slower side but the batsmen seem to have well adjusted to the conditions as close to 370 runs were scored in the encounter between the Kings Xl Punjab and the Rajasthan Royals. The due was seen playing a vital role in the last game and is expected to play a role once again. The last two games in Abu Dhabi saw the chasing team make easy work of the totals. The team winning the toss should be looking to chase.

The conditions seem well in favor of cricket as clear skies are expected throughout the day. The temperatures are on the decline and it is expected to be hovering around the 27-29 degree mark. While the humidity expected to be around the 53-56 percent range.

Probable Playing Xl

Delhi Capitals (DC): Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Harshal Patel, Praveen Dubey/Axar Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Ravichandran Ashwin, Anrich Nortje

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Josh Philippe, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Washington Sundar, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Mohammed Siraj, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal

Key Battles

Shikhar Dhawan (DC) vs Washington Sundar (RCB)

Shikhar Dhawan (DC) vs Washington Sundar (RCB)

The chances of DC making it further will depend a lot on the DC opener Shikhar Dhawan. The opener made heads turn when he became the first batsman in the history of the tournament to score back to back centuries. Said that, the southpaw has failed in each of the next occasions. The Delhi team will be hoping he gets back to his prime once again in this all important clash.

On the other side is Washington Sundar- the bowler with one of best economy in the tournament will be eyeing to contain the DC openers to his best. He is someone who concentrates on bowling the dot balls more than picking up the wickets. The all-rounder will definitely play a vital role for the Bangalore side.

Can the DC opener carry on his team over the line? Will the RCB all- rounder be able to keep the southpaw in check?

Devdutt Padikkal (RCB) vs Kagiso Rabada (DC)

Devdutt Padikkal (RCB) vs Kagiso Rabada (DC)

Royal Challengers Bangalore have found a gem of a player in the young Padikkal and he looks to be the future of the RCB team as well as the Indian Team given his potential and ability to pace his innings. He will be hoping he can pile on the runs for his side. The opener is placed 5th on the list of highest run-scorers in this season.

While to bowl at him will be the DC spearhead Kagiso Rabada. The proteas pacer is the second highest wicket- taker in the tournament with 23 wickets. He would be missing the purple cap as it was taken over by the MI pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has also picked up 23 wickets but possesses a better economy. Though the South African has been non- threatening in the last two matches, he is likely to bounce back in this much important clash.

Can the young RCB star climb his way up the run-getters list? Will the Proteas star make his stay a short one?

Prediction

It is very tough to separate the two on the basis of their squad as both the teams have a world- class squad. Though on the current form one could say RCB hold a slight advantage. It will all come down to who holds their nerve on the important day.

The conditions in Abu Dhabi will favor the RCB side as they have very good slow bowlers in their side. The last few games in Abu Dhabi have been completely in favor of the team chasing and with the due expected to play a part, the team batting second can fancy their chances.

Both teams have lost their path in the last week and they will need to bounce back well in order to take back to the winning ways. 

Cricwizz predicts Royal Challengers Bangalore to win the match