Mumbai Indians travel to Delhi with a chance to join the home
side at the top of the table at the halfway stage in the tournament. Currently,
just two points separate the top seven teams and Delhi Daredevils would hope to
consolidate their lead.
The two teams met in
Mumbai ten days ago in a match that promised a lot. However, a Sachin Tendulkar
and Lasith Malinga-less Mumbai Indians' team was blown away by Daredevils' pace
attack to be dismissed for 92. Since then, Mumbai Indians have posted 163 and
171 in two matches against Kings XI Punjab, but their bowling has been taken
for runs as well.
When he played
alongside Malinga this season, Munaf Patel picked up ten wickets at an
economy-rate of 6.34. In the last three games since Malinga's injury, Munaf has
bowled 11 wicketless overs at an economy-rate of 8.81. The figures for Mumbai
Indians' captain Harbhajan Singh reflect the same story. Harbhajan, who has
just one wicket this season, had an economy-rate of 6.73 with Malinga in the
attack. He has gone for nine an over in the absence of Malinga. However,
Malinga has rejoined the team now and is likely to be available for selection.
Since their easy win
in Mumbai, Daredevils' batting has been led by Virender Sehwag and Kevin
Pietersen, who have scored 151 and 162 runs in the last three games. With
Mahela Jayawardene and Ross Taylor waiting for their chance to fire,
Daredevils' batting would hold the edge. In the last two games against Pune
Warriors, Daredevils' bowlers have struggled to take wickets and stop the run
flow. Against, a strong Mumbai Indians' batting, the Morne Morkel-led attack
would hope to repeat their Mumbai performance.
The two teams met in
Mumbai ten days ago in a match that promised a lot. However, a Sachin Tendulkar
and Lasith Malinga-less Mumbai Indians' team was blown away by Daredevils' pace
attack to be dismissed for 92. Since then, Mumbai Indians have posted 163 and
171 in two matches against Kings XI Punjab, but their bowling has been taken
for runs as well.