We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Pitch Report
The average first and second innings score at the Wankhede Stadium for the last four matches reads 148 and 150 respectively. In the same period, only 11 out of 43 wickets have fallen to the spinners. Dew hasn’t been helping matters either.
Teams
Probable XI for Mumbai: Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Daniel Sams*, Tilak Varma, Ramandeep Singh, Dewald Brevis*, Tim David*, Sanjay Yadav/Kumar Kartikeya, Jasprit Bumrah, Riley Meredith*, Mayank Markande
Probable XI for Delhi: David Warner*, Sarfaraz Khan, Mitchell Marsh*, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Lalit Yadav, Rovman Powell*, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje*, Khaleel Ahmed
Power Players
Mitchell Marsh is proving to be a vital cog in Delhi’s wheel. By scoring 177 runs and taking 3 wickets in his previous three outings, he has handsomely rewarded fantasy players.
A lot will depend on David Warner, who is the leading run-getter (427 at 52.38) for his side. At the Wankhede too, his numbers aren’t bad. They read 66, 28, 42, and 3.
Smart Picks
In 9 matches this season, Khaleel Ahmed has rarely gone wicketless. He has 16 wickets, including best figures of 3/25, to his credit.
Although Mumbai lost to Hyderabad, Tim David’s colossal striking at the Wankhede made headlines. In his last five innings, he has scored 139 runs and has been dismissed only twice.
Shardul Thakur might not necessarily bowl wicket-taking deliveries but often finds unique ways to dismiss the batters. His 4 for 36 was instrumental in helping Delhi triumph over Punjab.
After struggling in the initial stages, Daniel Sams has been consistently rewarding fantasy players. In his last seven games, he has bagged 11 wickets. In the past few games, he has also been promoted to bat at No.3.
Kuldeep Yadav once again stood tall with figures of 2 for 14 in the crucial tie against Punjab. When Delhi met Mumbai earlier in the tournament, he walked away with the Player of the Match award for picking 3 wickets.
Barring three half-centuries this season, it’s been a disappointing time with the bat for Ishan Kishan. Ironically, his best score of 81* came against Delhi in the opening encounter.
Like his opening partner, Rohit Sharma too has experienced a poor time with the willow. That said, he has scores of 48, 18, and 39 at the Wankhede.
Anrich Nortje’s hostile opening spell against the wobbly Mumbai top order could set the game up for Delhi. The virtual knockout game might bring out the best in him.
Rishabh Pant hasn’t enjoyed much success this season but has highest scores of 44 and 34 in his last four appearances at the Wankhede.
Match Preview
It’s been a torrid season for Mumbai and they are poised to finish last on the points table. That said, the five-time champions will be determined to restore some pride as they play their final game.
On the other hand, Delhi’s fate lie in their own hands. If they beat Mumbai, they will occupy the fourth and the final playoffs spot.
When these two teams met earlier in the competition, Delhi beat Mumbai by four wickets.
Time: 21 May, 7.30 PM IST