Tomorrow is Saturday and we are set to see the first doubleheader match week of the second phase of IPL 2021. It's a clash between two teams who have had a winning start to their phase 2 journey.
Delhi Capitals are set to go head-to-head with Rajasthan Royals, a very vital game for Rajasthan to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Delhi needs one more win to ascertain their playoff spot.
Rajasthan produced their best performance of this season as they won their last game out of the blue against Punjab. While some call it perfect execution and fruit of perseverance, the Rajasthan skipper Sanju Samson called it "funny" as they had nothing left to lose.
23 years on, a sandstorm stops play again. ðŸ¤#HallaBol | #IPL2021 | #RoyalsFamily | @KumarSanga2 pic.twitter.com/u0ZU0m6oOp
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) September 24, 2021
On the contrary, Delhi thrashed a sulking Sunrisers Hyderabad side to register an eight-wicket triumph. Who wins the first double-header of Saturday? Will it be Sanju Samson's Rajasthan? Or Rishabh Pant's Delhi Capitals?
Match Toss Time: 13:30 Local (15:00 IST)
Match Start Time: 14:00 Local (15:30 IST)
Match Venue: Sheikh Zayed International Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Head to Head
Matches Played: 23, DC: 11, RR: 12
Weather Conditions and Pitch
Team News
The Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis suffered a hamstring injury during the encounter against SRH and the Delhi management along with the Australian management would be hoping it is nothing serious. He is likely to be replaced by the former Aussie skipper Steven Smith if he does not manage to recover on time for the showdown.
Rajasthan Royals have some momentum after their comeback in their last match. They won't be making any changes too unless it's forced one due to any injuries.
Probable Playing XI
Delhi Capitals (DC): Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Marcus Stoinis/ Steven Smith, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Avesh Khan.
Rajasthan Royals (RR): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Evin Lewis, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Mahipal Lomror, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Mustafizur Rahman, Chetan Sakariya, Kartik Tyagi.
Must Picks
Evin Lewis started the second phase exquisitely so he is a player to incorporate into your team. Shreyas Iyer looked exceptional despite returning from an injury, while Shikhar Dhawan continued from where he had left off the first phase. He currently holds the orange cap with 422 runs. Liam Livingstone did not have his best game but he's not far from a huge knock.
Key Stats
#Delhi Capitals' opener Shikhar Dhawan has been in exceptional form throughout this season. The 35-year old became only the 3rd batsman in the history of IPL to score 400 plus runs in six consecutive seasons.
#Although the scenario looks unlikely to happen in this match, the RR skipper Sanju Samson is 135 runs away from reaching 3000 runs in the league. Samson will also become the first Rajasthan Royals player to achieve the feat. The South African hard-hitter David Miller finds himself 48 runs short of the 2000 runs mark. Will be a given a chance in playing Xl?
#The most expensive player in the tournament's history Chris Morris is just 6 wickets away from reaching the 100 wickets milestone. He will become the first South African to achieve the feat in IPL if he does manage to reach the golden digits.
#Last 10 meetings, both teams have won five matches apiece. Interestingly, in the last 5 encounters, Rajasthan have managed to win just one and the win came in the very last meeting in this season. Can Delhi level the tally? Or will Rajasthan be able to strike once again?
DC vs RR Fantasy Team
Captain and Vice-captain picks
Prediction
Delhi look too strong at the moment and despite Rajasthan's win in their last game, Delhi seem to be the favorites. The return of Shreyas Iyer has bolstered their batting and now, Delhi seems to be one of the top runners for the 2021 IPL trophy.
Cricwizz predicts Delhi Capitals to win the match and cement their place at the top.
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