Royal Challengers Bangalore have to win against Delhi Daredevils today to ensure they are higher than Mumbai
Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challangers Bangalore will have different targets when they clash in the Pepsi IPL today. Already out of the tournament, Delhi will have just pride to play for, but after a hiccup against Punjab in their last game, Bangalore are under immense pressure to deliver as the competition for the top four is heating up. With nine defeats out of 12, Delhi have had a forgettable season but they can play fearless cricket as they have got nothing to lose.
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Bangalore, however, need to recover from the David Miller assault as they cannot afford to slip what with Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians peaking at the right time and Chennai Super Kings sitting comfortable at the top of the table. Batting has never been a worry for them with Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in their ranks, but the bowling department is a cause of concern. However, things could get complicated for the visitors as the hosts, having nothing at stake, could come up with a surprise and play the role of party-poopers.
Mahela’s wishlist
>> Virender Sehwag gets his form back.
>> Ben Rohrer shows consistency.
>> Batters bat with responsibility.
>> Morne Morkel makes early inroads.
>> Chris Gayle departs cheaply.
Kohli’s wishlist
>> Gayle-storm strikes Kotla.
>> Cheteshwar Pujara continues to complement Gayle.
>> AB de Villiers plays a cameo.
>> Bowlers put up a better show.
>> Catches at crucial moments are not missed.u00a0
When they last met... Bangalore splendid in Super Over
The match was dominated by Royal Challengers Bangalore, but they choked towards the end and managed to eke out a tie on April 16, this season.
Chasing a modest total of 152, things seemed comfortable for the hosts as they needed 24 runs from 25 balls with eight wickets in hand.
But there was a twist in the tale and the match went to the Super Over. Delhi’s Umesh Yadav conceded 15 runs as AB de Villiers clobbered him for two sixes off the last two balls.
Needing 16 off 6, Ravi Rampaul gave RCB a dream start with David Warner’s wicket off the first ball. Irfan Pathan though did not lose hope and fought till the end, but DD ended up scoring 11.u00a0