The first week of the Indian Premier League has already covered eventful outcomes like super over, upsets, injuries, etc. To mark the first week of this prestigious tournament, another barn burner is coming our way as Chennai Super Kings will take on Delhi Capitals.
It has been a busy week for CSK as the three-time world champions will play their third match. Coming off a loss against Rajasthan Royals, they will look to end the week on a good note.
Capitals, on the other hand, had a close escape against Kings XI Punjab in their last match. KXIP were easily cruising towards an easy win as they needed only 1 run from 3 balls. However, Marcus Stoinis had other plans as he restricted KXIP to a tie. The super over had even more bad news for KXIP as they were restricted to only runs which DC chased comfortably to win the game.
Chennai Super Kings
Even though CSK is coming off a loss against Royals, they showcased some great aspects of their game. Faf Du Plessis again proved why he’s one of the best batsmen in the world by scoring an incredible 72 of just 37 balls. Shane Watson, Sam Curran and not to forget, MS Dhoni showed some glimpses of form as well.
Their bowling, however, looked a bit off. Ngidi conceded a massive 30 runs off his last over. Veteran Piyush Chawla was countered as well as he conceded 50 runs in just 3 overs. That being said, CSK know where their weaknesses are and can work on them.
Delhi Capitals
Capitals managed to have a slight edge in this match, however, they will have to work on many aspects as well. Their top-order has been a concern. Both Prithvi Shaw and Shimron Hetmyer looked out of touch. The middle-order looked great but captain Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant will have to convert their 30s into 60s. Marcus Stoinis, on the other hand, looked in sublime touch.
DC suffered a huge blow as experienced R. Ashwin suffered shoulder dislocation. Therefore, Amit Mishra can be seen in his place.
Fantasy XI team!
FAF DU PLESSIS (9) (C) – Du Plessis is coming off two phenomenal fifties. He scored 72 of just 37 balls with 7 sixes. He’ll again be my captain.
SHANE WATSON (9.5) – Watson found some form in the last game. He, therefore, retains his place.
SAM CURRAN (8.5) (VC) – Curran bowled really well and also scored a match-winning cameo in their first match against MI. Dhoni likes the idea of promoting him depending upon the situation. He’ll therefore be my vice-captain.
RAVINDRA JADEJA (9) – Jadeja bowled really good in their first match against MI and scored a quickfire cameo as well.
PIYUSH CHAWLA (8.5) – Chawla looked really good in the first match as well. He was expensive in their last game, but in absence of Ashwin for DC, we can give him a go.
SHIKHAR DHAWAN (10) – Shikhar Dhawan can be extremely explosive in the powerplay overs and may also play an anchor sort of an innings and score big!
SHREYAS IYER (9.5) – Iyer played really well the last game to put DC to a respectable score after the top order failed.
MARCUS STOINIS (8.5) – Stoinis impressed the entire cricketing community last time around with his fifty of just 20 balls and two wickets in the last over to restrict KXIP to a tie.
RISHABH PANT (9.5) – Pant will have to convert his thirties into fifties or sixties. He looked good in the last match holding the innings together with Iyer.
KAGISO RABADA (9.0) – He will lead the Delhi attack. He has looked good in this IPL.
Prediction
CSK has looked extremely balanced this IPL. Even though they lost their last game against RR, they looked really good. CSK lost by only 16 runs while chasing a mammoth score of 216 runs. Skipper MS Dhoni seems to have found form as well.
Chennai Super Kings will therefore defeat Delhi Capitals.
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