IPL: Delhi Daredevils take on resurgent Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan will face the Delhi Daredevils at their home, the Ferozshah Kotla, in the second match of the Indian leg of the IPL. The Daredevils have had an indifferent tournament so far, while the Royals have bounced back after a couple of early losses. Of the five matches played by both teams, Delhi have won just two— against the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Mumbai Indians, while Rajasthan have three victories to show for their efforts in the desert. The Royals are third in the points table, while Delhi are second to last on net run rate.

Both the teams, though, should bring back the confidence of their victories in the last match of the UAE leg. While Delhi thrashed the woeful Mumbai Indians by six wickets, the Royals controlled their nerves and played some intelligent cricket to outsmart the Kolkata Knight Riders in the first ‘super over’ of the tournament.


Mumbai Indians face Kings XI Punjab

Defending champions Mumbai Indians will be desperate to end their dismal five-match losing streak, but the task of doing so in their first match in India will not be helped by the form of their opponents Kings XI Punjab. At least they’re playing at the Wankhede Stadium, where they would be hopeful of home support.

The stadium was a fortress that could not be breached in eight attempts last year as Mumbai went all the way to clinch the title for the first time. Their fortunes this season could not be any worse than it currently is.

Kings XI Punjab, on the other hand, would be equally earnest to ensure that their five-match winning run is not ended by last year’s champions. Considering their form, they can be optimistic of extending it to six matches unbeaten. Punjab have batted, bowled and fielded well in the first phase.

It has been Mumbai’s batting, in comparison with their bowling, which has been the cause of their slump thus far in the tournament.