Mumbai Indians take on Delhi Daredevils for the first time in IPL 2 at Buffalo Park in East London on Friday. The Daredevils would try a different strategy when they take on win-hungry Mumbai Indians, who are eager to bounce back after two straight defeats.
With a new name adorning the number one position after almost every match, the Daredevils, who climbed to the coveted position, would have to up the ante when they take on Sachin Tendulkar’s army for the first time in the tournament.
Delhi have played the least number of matches (seven) but aggregated highest points (10) so far in the eight-team event that has already staged 34 of its 59 matches.
But that Mumbai put up a brave fight against Deccan Chargers on Wednesday is indication enough that it won’t be as easy as their previous match for Daredevils.
Barring a few lapses, Mumbai held their cards for most part in the game of dwindling fortunes.
Mumbai boast of an attacking opening pair of Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya, well supported by South African Jean-Paul Duminy in the middle order.
Their bowling looks equally impressive studded with Sri Lankan Lasith Malinga, off-spinner Harbhajan Singh and West Indies’ Dwayne Bravo.
However, it remains to be seen if pace spearhead Zaheer Khan, who is nursing a shoulder injury, gets fit for the match on Friday.
Among the youngsters, Dhawal Kulkarni and Pinal Shah also impressed with both ball and bat against Deccan Chargers.
But despite the impressive line-up, Mumbai are second from bottom with just three wins from eight matches.
For Delhi, their key batsman Gautam Gambhir, who also stood-in for an injured captain Virender Sehwag, was back among the runs after an indifferent start to the tournament.
Tillakaratne Dilshan also demonstrated his form in their last match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Delhi may consider fielding Glenn McGrath in place of Nannes with Ashish Nehra, Amit Mishra and Pradeep Sangwan already doing well for the side.
