The latest offering from the Indian Premier League on Wednesday sees the fast improving Delhi Daredevils taking on one of the early pacesetters Gujarat Lions in what should be one of the matches of the tournament so far.
Both sides go into this match in excellent form and knowing a win will cement their early playoff hopes but even a defeat isn’t going to harm either too much so they can both attack this game without any fear which will hopefully equate to some exciting cricket being displayed.
Delhi Daredevils
As they quite often do Delhi started the season slowly with a tame defeat in their opening match but they have bounced back in the best possible way with three high quality wins and they haven’t relied on any one individual which has been one of the keys to their success.
Zaheer Khan is leading the side nicely while with the bat Quinton de Kock, Sanju Samson and JP Duminy have all made good contributions while Amit Mishra has led the way with the ball. With plenty to come from Imran Tahir too the Daredevils should be feeling good about themselves.
Gujarat Lions
Apart from one poor display against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Gujarat Lions have been almost exemplary in their debut campaign so far. They have won four out of their five matches and in those wins they have rarely looked in any difficulty. They seem to enjoy chasing more than setting a total which could be a concern if they are invited to bat.
Brendon McCullum is beginning to come alive with the bat while Suresh Raina is in good form too. If there is a personnel issue it is in the balance of their bowling attack. A few team changes in recent matches suggest they are struggling to find the perfect combination.
Team news
Delhi are expected to be unchanged for this match. The only reason they wouldn’t be is if they have a late injury or if they want to rotate one of their seamers but they’ve only played four matches in the competition to date so that time surely hasn’t yet arrived.
Gujarat Lions continue to seek the ideal combination with the ball. I believe that includes James Faulkner but they seem to be wanting to try everyone so maybe Andrew Tye gets a debut here. Aaron Finch’s availability is unknown after he pulled up injured in the previous match.
Form
Delhi Daredevils: LWWW
Gujarat Lions: WWWLW
Head to head: First meeting
Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium
There have been two matches here with Delhi winning both of them. They chased a modest total in their first match and then defended a better total in the second one. In those two matches the wicket has played a touch on the slow side and the spinners have got a bit of assistance and been hard to score from.
The boundaries are quite small so there is no reason why this has to be a really low scoring game but I think we would be barking up the wrong tree to expect a huge scoring one.
Betting
I like the way Delhi Daredevils are going about their business at the minute. They look a really settled side right now and that has been reflected in their results. Gujarat Lions are getting the results but they’re not settled. They are searching for something which they might never find and I’m not sure their searches are going to benefit this wicket.
Delhi are likely to go in with a three or even four prong spin attack in this match which is perfect for this track and with their batting depth really starting to show through they have to like their chances. I like them I have to say.
There have just been one or two signs in recent matches that Gujarat’s batting depth isn’t as strong as it looks so at the prices available I’m going to side with Delhi to continue their winning run here.
Tips
Back Delhi Daredevils to beat Gujarat Lions for a 4/10 stake at 2.40 with Boylesports
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