The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season is set to witness Sunrisers Hyderabad take on the Delhi Capitals in match number 20 on Sunday. The match is set to be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. SRH won their maiden game against Punjab after losing three straight encounters this season. They have two points from four matches and are placed sixth in the table. Meanwhile, DC have won three out of their four matches to stay third.
After struggling with the bat in their first three games, SRH did well in the last match here in Chennai. The return of Kane Williamson has been a major boost. SRH’s current team composition looks much better. They are dependent on David Warner and Jonny Bairstow. And the return of Kane means a solid top three will need to deliver. They have done well with the ball though. Rashid Khan has been a leader of the pack. Khaleel Ahmed has done well and will be a leading candidate after T Natarajan was ruled out.
After suffering a batting collapse against RR, DC responded well against Punjab. They were hammered early on before coming back to restrict PKBS under 200. The batting charge was led by Shikhar Dhawan, who smashed 92. Dhawan’s heroics helped DC complete a stellar win. They went on to beat MI next by six wickets and Dhawan was once again in the scheme of things. DC made some notable changes and things worked in terms of balance. The wins will help DC build their confidence ahead of a crucial clash.
Here we present all the concerned details to guide you through.
Key details of the match
The match is set to be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. It’s scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST. Fans can watch the action live on the Star Sports Network in their preferred languages. One can also stream the match live on the Disney+ Hotstar app (paid subscription).
Here’s the preview
SRH were 116/2 while chasing RCB’s 150-run target. But they lost the game somehow. Prior to that, they also faltered against KKR by 10 runs. Against MI, Warner and Bairstow gave them a solid start before the rest of the side gave up to fall short. Against Punjab. the side finally responded and took accountability. Rashid Khan has been the best bowler for SRH this season claiming five wickets already at a minimal economy rate of 5.06. Khaleel has four scalps in two matches with a rate of just 5.62. These two will be SRH’s best bets in the encounter against DC.
For DC, Dhawan holds a lot of importance. Their aggression and positivity are factors that have worked for him. The likes of Steve Smith, Rishabh Pant, and Marcus Stoinis need to offer substance in the middle. Dhawan will look to bat deep and anchor the innings, he will need support. With the ball DC have the desired firepower with Kagiso Rabada leading the line alongside Chris Woakes. Avesh Khan has been superb. Amit Mishra is likely to get another game after a superb show against MI. The return of Axar Patel boosts DC.
Probable playing XIs: SRH vs DC
Delhi probable playing XI:
Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Rishabh Pant (c&wk), Lalit Yadav, Chris Woakes, R Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan
SRH probable playing XI
David Warner (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Kane Williamson, Virat Singh, Vijay Shankar, Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Siddarth Kaul
Dream11 team prediction (option 1)
Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, Shimron Hetmyer
All-rounders: Chris Woakes, Vijay Shankar
Bowlers: Avesh Khan, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Amit Mishra
Dream11 team prediction (option 2)
Batsmen: Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Steve Smith
All-rounders: Chris Woakes, Vijay Shankar, Lalit Yadav
Bowlers: Avesh Khan, Rashid Khan, Khaleel Ahmed, Amit Mishra
Which players can be the top picks in the Dream11 team?
Shikhar Dhawan is a must in the line-up. He has been in top form across the last three seasons. The IPL 2021 has gone well for Dhawan, who has already chipped in with several match-winning scores including an 85 and 92.
Jonny Bairstow is another top pick in the side. The dashing opener has impressed so far and can provide the spark at the top. The senior player is a top candidate to get the job done and bat for longer periods.
In the bowling department, Rashid Khan and Avesh Khan are certain choices that need to be made. Both have been solid performers.
Dream11 fantasy: Captain choices
Shikhar Dhawan: Dhawan has been top-notch for DC and the manner in which he has timed the ball has been exquisite. He has been aggressive rather than just hanging around. He has scored bulk of DC’s runs and the knocks have been of utmost significance.
David Warner: The Australian southpaw and runs go hand in hand. Warner smashed a defiant fifty against RCB and got a 30-plus score against MI. He also scored 37 against PBKS. Warner will be keen to get SRH past the line and would want to bat long.
Dream11 fantasy: Vice-captain choices
In terms of vice-captaincy, Bairstow is a sound option. He has 173 runs from four games and has clocked two fifties already. Avesh Khan can be an option as well. With eight wickets from four games, Avesh is a handy customer. He will be aiming to do well.
Other choices: Rashid Khan, Chris Woakes
Pitch report and conditions
The pitch in Chennai will assist bowlers largely. It’s difficult to score aplenty. However, if batsmen stay on and rotate the strike well, boundaries won’t be hard to come. The conditions are set to be hot and humid with temperatures being around 34 degree Celsius during the day.
Chepauk stats
Anything above the 160-165 mark will be a tough prospect for teams batting second. Having said that, batsmen need to be wary in the middle and death overs with things slowing down.
Head-to-head record
The two teams have faced each other on 18 occasions. SRH have won 11 games and DC have pocketed the remaining 7.
Match prediction
Both sides will be aiming to do well with the ball. Whichever team bats better on the day will win. We feel DC will get the job done.