Indian T20 League 2019, Match 16: Delhi vs Hyderabad – Dotball Fantasy Cricket Guide

Delhi will be desperate to win after a few close games whereas Hyderabad's objective will be to continue their rich run.

Published - 03 Apr 2019, 23:42 IST | Updated - 03 Apr 2019, 23:42 IST

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Delhi could have been at the head of the Indian T20 League points table but for their spectacular late collapse against Punjab in Chandigarh after they seemed to be cruising to a win with just 23 runs needed off 21 balls and 7 wickets intact. What followed – a collapse that saw all those seven wickets go down in a space of a dozen odd deliveries including a hattrick for Sam Curran – left the Delhi skipper Shreyas Iyer looking for answers.

On Thursday, as they face a settled and confident Hyderabad, they will have a chance to redeem themselves. But it will require a strong performance in every department from the home team at the Kotla to dislodge one of the most balanced sides in the IPL. From a fantasy viewpoint, surely the Hyderabad batting holds the key, but Delhi have utility players who might end up making the crucial difference.

Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

Conditions: The Kotla track remains the most spinner friendly in the league outside of Chennai and its slow and low nature should be on display again Thursday night. Conditions will be good for batting but don’t expect a high scoring game.

Injury updates: Kane Williamson is still likely to be unavailable, recovering from a shoulder injury.

Fantasy Tips: If you are looking for possible captain choices for a head to head contest, you could go with these ‘Safe Captain Choices’

Top Picks

David Warner: Surely you do not want to bet against the current orange cap holder and the batsman who is in incredible form. Warner’s appetite for runs this season looks insatiable and he appears almost immune from the law of averages.

Kagiso Rabada: Picking a spinner would be usually the go to move on this track but given that he has 4 wickets in the 4 games he’s played and has bowled 9 overs worth of dot balls in the 2019 season so far, the South African speedster is a good potential choice.

Rashid Khan: If you have to back a spinner, look no further than Rashid Khan who only has 3 wickets from his 3 matches so far (way below his typical average) and Kotla conditions would be the perfect setting for him to get back into his lethal groove.

However if you are willing to take a bit more risk in a grand league contest, maybe consider these ‘Risky Captain Choices’

Shreyas Iyer: The Delhi skipper is due some runs and more importantly, will be looking to lead by example after the batting debacle at Mohali.

Mohammed Nabi: If he is picked (highly likely given the conditions) not only does he present an ideal foil to Rashid Khan but can also contribute with the bat.

Amit Mishra: And if at all the spinners are going to rule the roost, the home side will have its talisman in the form of veteran Amit Mishra who knows the conditions very well. The only hitch is whether he finds a spot in the playing XI or not.

Expert Advice

Delhi’s major problem as starkly highlighted in the last match is a steady and impactful middle order. After Rishabh Pant went for a big heave that didn’t quite connect, the incoming batsmen were guilty of similarly ill judged shot making and if they continue to do so, it could open things up for the Hyderabad bowling. However, the Sunrisers’ middle order remains untested as well and Delhi’s slower bowlers may fancy a go at them. Maybe balance your squad with at least one spinner from each side and see if you can somehow accommodate Vijay Shankar.

The Prediction: Their sheer balance and current levels of confidence makes Hyderabad the favourites even though they are not playing at home. Expect some sensible batting from them to carry them over the line.