DC vs CSK: Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, Stats, Pitch Report and more for Dream11 IPL, Match 34

While the Chennai Super Kings have neared towards getting the tactics and combination right, the injury-marred Delhi Capitals have done exceedingly well to not get hindered.

Published - 16 Oct 2020, 21:50 IST | Updated - 16 Oct 2020, 21:50 IST

View : 1.8K

2 Min Read

When the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stepped out against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their last game, they found themselves in a situation as rare as the appearance of the Halley’s Comet. Well, exaggerated references aside, the CSK setup is truly not familiar with exploring the bottom half of the table. Much as they would hate being there, that is how it has turned for them this edition.

Coming out amidst an eerily identical comparison from 2010 – when CSK was placed exactly at the same spot at the half-way stage and went onto clinch the title, the Dad’s army only reinforced the speculations of doing a “2010” as almost all the tactics by skipper MS Dhoni worked against SRH, and they defeated them by 20 runs to pouch two desperately needed points in their kitty. However, an uphill task awaits them on the doubleheader day as they clash with the rollicking Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Sharjah International Stadium, on Saturday.

The Capitals, led by Shreyas Iyer, have been a force to reckon with this year. With a whopping six victories in eight league clashes, they comfortably sit at the summit of the table. In this game, Iyer’s men are coming after completing a double over the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Batting first in the game, DC posted a healthy total of 161 for 7 courtesy twin half-centuries of Iyer and Shikhar Dhawan. Stepping ahead to defend the total, some seething pace from Anrich Nortje – who notably clocked a 156.2 kmph delivery, and Kagiso Rabada tested the Royals’ batsmen.

Despite looking down and out at one stage, the team made a comeback towards the fag-end and flabbergasted the opponents in some style to end victorious by a margin of 13 runs. Young Tushar Deshpande rose to the occasion and made his presence felt on debut. The injury-marred DC has done exceedingly well to not get hindered. In the absence of Amit Mishra and Ishant Sharma, the team has no leg-spinner in their ranks apart from having no Indian quick. Furthermore, Rishabh Pant’s exclusion has made Shimron Hetmyer sit out. The recent-most scare is about the in-form skipper Shreyas Iyer, who hurt his left shoulder in the previous game.

While the Super Kings have neared towards getting the tactics and combination right, the Capitals have been on the money with the man-managing of the team. The resurrecting Yellow Army up against the cruising Capitals… could one have asked for a better clash on the weekend?

Pitch and conditions

The six-hitting carnival seems to have come to a stop at Sharjah. With the pitches becoming considerably slower, the significance of toss increases manifold. The shorter boundaries will motivate the batsmen, and we have seen mishits and edges sailing over the fence at this venue. However, the crematoria for the bowlers is slowly but surely changing into fertile land for reaping results.

Playing Combinations for DC vs CSK

Delhi Capitals Probable 11

After failing to convert his starts into innings of substance, Shikhar Dhawan has done well to score consecutive half-centuries. The team balance, as mentioned, has been in danger due to raining injuries. There is no update yet on Rishabh Pant’s availability and Alex Carey should continue in such a situation. Ajinkya Rahane’s spot is also subjected to Shimron Hetmyer’s availability.

Axar Patel and Ravi Ashwin have struck well in tandem whereas the pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje has been an exhibition of pace bowling. Tushar Deshpande must be delighted by the way he performed on debut and would want to continue in the same vein.

Probable 11- Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane/Shimron Hetmyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Marcus Stoinis, Rishabh Pant/Alex Carey(WK), Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin, Tushar Deshpande, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje

Chennai Super Kings Probable 11

The ploy of bringing in Sam Curran in the opening slot raised eyebrows aplenty in the last game. However, the move bore fruition as a quick knock in the slot gave the middle-order some momentum before stepping in. Shane Watson and Faf du Plessis, who both have been scoring well of late, will need to make a few adjustments if CSK sticks with Curran as an opener.

The middle-order for CSK has been not firing and that has been the major cause behind their position. Ambati Rayudu is tried and tested, although he has lacked consistency. A past-his-prime MS Dhoni is still an asset, though not everything could be left for him. The bowlers had a brilliant outing in the last game as barring Deepak Chahar and Piyush Chawla, who bowled only one over, everyone got a wicket.

Probable 11- Sam Curran, Faf du Plessis, Shane Watson, Ambati Rayudu, MS Dhoni (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Deepak Chahar, Piyush Chawla, Shardul Thakur, Karn Sharma