GL vs DD Match Prediction: Who will win the match between Gujarat Lions and Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2016, Match 31

The Gujarat Lions will take on the Delhi Daredevils in Match no. 31 of the Vivo IPL, 2016 at Rajkot. The Rajkot crowd might be in for a heart-stopping thriller if the previous encounter between these two sides is anything to go by. That particular match had seen some stupendous batting from Chris Morris who almost single-handedly snatched victory for the Daredevils from the jaws of defeat. The Lions somehow survived the Morris onslaught and ended up winning by a solitary run thanks to Praveen Kumar and Dwayne Bravo, who held their nerves while bowling in the death.

Once again it will a test of nerves for these two sides. A win here for the Lions will get them closer to a place in the playoffs. The Daredevils would want to continue their rich vein of form and they would look to their key players to deliver the goods against the table toppers. The Lions will feel disappointed after having gone down to the lesser fancied Kings XI Punjab in their previous encounter. Suresh Raina would hope that the loss will urge the boys to come back harder. It's almost impossible to predict or select a probable winner but just on current form. Before the prediction, we analyse their teams.

Venue: Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot

Match date: May 03, 2016

Match timings: 2000 Hrs IST

If Gujarat Lions bat first

Predicted score: 160 and above

The Lions might persist with the same side that played against Punjab as that was just their second loss in the tournament. They are still at the top of the points table and would want to make sure that they still are, irrespective of how the other table toppers do in their respective games. Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum will be expected to get their team off to a flyer much like they did when these two sides last met. McCullum should use his nimble footwork and attack the Daredevils spinners. The Lions would be thrilled if these two can bat the entire powerplay as that would mean ensuring a strong foundation for the rest of the batting to come.

Suresh Raina would want to get a substantial individual score as he has been a little off colour as a batsman during this edition. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Dinesh Karthik's form though and he would try to accelerate in the middle with his wide array of strokes. Dwayne Bravo and James Faulkner will use the long handle in the slog overs and try to get a total that is beyond reach for the Daredevils.

The Lions bowling was impressive against Punjab though. Praveen Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni have formed a good partnership with the new ball. There is ample support in the pace department with Bravo and Faulkner plying their trades. These two guys invariably pick up wickets while bowling in the death. Shivil Kaushik seems to be one of those bowlers to watch out for, he bowled brilliantly in the last game picking 3 important wickets. His action is a little hard to pick and the batsmen could find it tough against him.

If Delhi Daredevils bat first

Predicted score: 170 and above

Revenge is a dish best-served cold and it will be Delhi's chance to get even after the heartbreak at the Kotla last week. Chris Morris will want a repeat of that performance and Gujarat will be hoping that the ‘Morris-lightning’ doesn't strike them twice. Quinton de Kock at the top of the order would love to settle down first before going after the Lion bowlers. He will be wary of Praveen Kumar's ability to move the ball both ways. Shreyas Iyer has been in woeful form in this IPL and he might be benched for this game. Sanju Samson and Karun Nair occupy important positions in the middle order and they have been excellent in playing their roles to perfection.

Zak will have a selection headache if JP Duminy is fit for this game. Sam Billings who scored a half-century in the last game, might have to sit out to make way for Duminy. The other two foreign players should be Brathwaite and Gujarat's nemesis Chris Morris. Expect these two to score at a thundering rate towards the end of the innings.

The bowling has been impressive overall. Mohammed Shami and Morris have done a fine job at the death. Braithwaite picked up three wickets in the last game but was a bit on the expensive side. Amit Mishra will once again look to play the wrecker-in-chief and he will pose a big threat for the Lions if the track is on the drier side. Expect Delhi to punch above their weights in this all important game.

Probable winner: Delhi Daredevils