The Deccan Chargers will play the Delhi Daredevils at Kingsmead in Durban in the second edition of the Indian Premier League. The Chargers had won their last game against the Rajasthan Royals in a rather convincing manner, while Delhi beat Kolkata Knight Riders in another one-sided match.
It will take a huge miracle for the Daredevils (5/2 at 888Sport to qualify for final) not to qualify for the knock-out stage from the position they are in currently. On the other hand, the Deccan Chargers (9/2 at Paddy Power to reach final) have one hand on the semi-final berth and a win here could just confirm the same.
Deccan Chargers (6/5 at Boylesports to win game) will rely heavily on their new Australian recruit, Andrew Symonds (4/1 at Ladbrokes to be top Deccan scorer) to fire, as he has in the two games that he has played so far, and looks to be the favourite to top the Chargers’ scoring. On the other hand, Herschelle Gibbs (7/2 at Bet365 to top-score for Deccans) had been rested in the previous games, and with the entry of Symonds, may find it difficult to get his way into the team. T.Suman’s (11/2 at Boylesports to be top scorer) opening batting may get him a few runs in even fewer balls, but expecting him to top the scoring with his style of batting is a trifle difficult. Adam Gilchrist (3/1 at Ladbrokes to be top scorer for Deccan) has been struggling with his batting form after a brilliant start to the tournament, but with him, like with someone like a Virender Sehwag, it is difficult to count him out.
The Daredevils (3/4 at Sporting Bet to beat Deccan) may see Virender Sehwag (7/2 at Ladbrokes to be top Delhi batsman) get back into the side if he recovers from his injury, but if he doesn’t Dave Warner’s (7/2 at Ladbrokes to be top Delhi batsman) batting is worth betting on. Gautam Gambhir (7/2 at Ladbrokes to be top Delhi batsman) has looked unlike himself in this tournament and he will certainly not be my pick to be the top scorer.
T.Dilshan’s form, minus that previous inning’s failure makes him a worthy pick, especially since he bats so high up the order and the batting line-up gets stronger with A.B. de Villiers (4/1 at Sky Bet to be top scorer for Delhi) at four. And although, this only makes it difficult for someone to pick a clear winner, my personal choice will be A.B. de Villiers, who has looked like he has been supreme touch and playing attacking cricket.
The Chargers will need R.P. Singh to continue with his good, purple-cap winning form, but whether he will be economic enough as compared to a very strong Delhi bowling is a question mark. The Daredevils possess Ashish Nehra, Amit Mishra (4/1 at Stan James to be most economic) and Dirk Nannes (4/1 at Stan James to be most economic), all of whom are capable of getting through their four overs without conceding too many
Tips:
Favourites: Delhi Daredevils (3/4 at Sporting Bet)
Top Delhi batsman: A.B. de Villiers (4/1 at Sky Bet)
Top Deccan batsman: Andrew Symonds (4/1 at Ladbrokes)
Most economic bowler: Amit Mishra (4/1 at Stan James)