If we look at DC first, they have an extremely strong batting line up. Opener Prithvi Shaw has constantly provided solid starts at the top even as Shikhar Dhawan has failed to convert any of his starts. In the middle-order, DC skipper Shreyas Iyer has played some one brilliant knock, and has always looked good for more. Rishabh Pant has provided the big blows in the middle and end overs even as Shimron Hetmyer returned to form with a smashing cameo against Rajasthan Royals.
Marcus Stoinis has been providing the x-factor for which he was selected, with some brutal cameos and important wickets. In the pace bowling department, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have done a commendable job while Ravichandran Ashwin has made a swift impact on return with his experience and guile.
Shifting attention to MI, they have a blockbuster top-order comprising skipper Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock and Suryakumar Yadav, all of whom have played match-winning knocks. Young Ishan Kishan has provided solidity in the middle order. Kieron Pollard and the Pandya brothers continue to do what they do best -- spank the ball out of the park.
MI have arguably the best pace bowling attack in three match-winning bowlers -- Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, and James Pattinson. Rahul Chahar has done a good job with the ball even as he is still learning while Krunal will be expected to bowl a few tidy overs.
Head-to-Head Record: There is nothing to choose in the head-to-head battle as both teams have won 12 games each out of 24.
MI Predicted XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Rohit Sharma (C), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Rahul Chahar, James Pattinson, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah
DC Predicted XI: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje.
Pitch Report
The pitch is good for batting. Teams taking first strike need to score in excess of 170 to compete.
Weather conditions
In the evening, the temperature will be around 31 degree Celsius. It will be cooler as the match progresses bringing much relief to players.
--Renin Wilben
