Venue and Conditions:
Deccan take on Mumbai at home but it will feel like an away game. It is important to note that this match is being played at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai, not the Brabourne stadium. Only one game has been played there so far; Kolkata beating Deccan by 11 runs having posted 161.
Team Performance:
Deccans are well equipped to inflict a second defeat on Mumbai. Thanks to their disciplined bowling they are one of the few sides who can be confident of restricting a start-studded batting line-up. Just like Bangalore frustrated the Indians in their only defeat so far, Adam Gilchrist’s men could do a similar job. They have managed it three times before in IPL.
Chaminda Vaas is the key man for Deccan. With an economy rate of 6.66 – one of the best of the tournament – he and opening partner RP Singh must keep Sachin Tendulkar quiet.
The Indians this year are a well-oiled unit who has been led from the front by Tendulkar, himself in stupendous form. In the previous two games Tendulkar has carried his bat through and that is indication enough of what the Chargers’ bowlers should expect. Mumbai’s Sanath Jayasuriya missed out in the victory over Chennai as Ryan McLaren’s medium pacers were preferred. He only went for five an over so should keep his place. Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo continue in the middle order meaning JP Duminy will have to warm the bench.
Mumbai’s bowlers have been on target right through with Zaheer Khan, Lasith Malinga and Harbhajan Singh all among the wickets. The Chargers’ running between the wickets has also been dicey and the calling for runs must improve.
The Chargers who had won three of their five games produced an ugly performance against Rajasthan while Mumbai were imperious against Chennai. However, Deccan has a habit of taking a nap against the lesser lights and this contest should bring the best out of them. They will surely need some innovative captaincy in the game against Mumbai, who are looking all set to remain atop the points table.
Top batsman:
Tendulkar is the second highest run scorer in the tournament with 248 runs and but it will not surprise you to learn he has taken top-bat honors three times. Herschelle Gibbs and Rohit Sharma top scored last year when these sides met.
The Verdict:
Mumbai surely look to be in the driver’s seat. The lineup has fired in unision. The threat of Tendulkar taking the game away from the Chargers in the first 10 overs remains the biggest threat.
Previous Encounters:
Part-time spinner Sharma took an incredible four wickets for just six runs in the last meeting.
2008:
1st Match: Deccan (155/0, 12 ovrs) beat Indians (154/7) by 10 wkts
2nd Match: Indians (178/7) beat Deccan (153/7) by 25 runs
2009:
1st Match: Deccan (168/9) beat Indians (156/7) by 12 runs
2nd Match: Deccan (145/6) beat Indians (126/8) by 19 runs.
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