IPL 2016, Match 23, Delhi Daredevils(DD) vs Gujarat Lions(GL): Match Preview

The Daredevils will host the Gujarat Lions at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi in the Match 23 of VIVO IPL 2016. The Delhi Daredevils last game against the Mumbai Indians was a fascinating one and in the end, they proved to be the better team by 10 runs. The Delhi Daredevils have now got 3 wins under their belt with a healthy net run rate as well. The Gujarat Lions bounced back after their first loss to the Sunrisers Hyderabad by beating the Royal Challengers Bangalore in their last game.

Also read: IPL 2016, DD vs GL Playing 11: Probable Squad for Suresh Raina Gujarat Lions

The Lions will replace Kolkata Knight Riders at the top of the table with a win against the Delhi Daredevils. Chasing has been the trend of this season with teams batting second have won the majority of times. Setting a target seems to be a hard thing on these Indians wickets where nothing can be regarded as a safe score. The Kotla pitch, though, has been a bit more competitive to play on this season. The Daredevils showed that a total above 160 can be defended with good bowling and the right field placements.

Match Date and Time: 27 April 2016, 2000 hrs ISTMatch Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi.

Weather:

Temperature: Max 38°c, Min 31°cHumidity: Max 11%Wind: 17 km per hour

Pitch Report: Par-score 165. Good batting wicket with some turn for the spinners.

In-Depth Analysis:

The Daredevils proved that they do not have to rely only on Quinton de Kock for getting a big score. Kerala boy Sanju Samson took charge of the Delhi batting against the Mumbai Indians. The Innings of 60 consisted of 4 fours and 2 sixes. After exploding onto the scene with the Rajasthan Royals, Samson has struggled in the previous two seasons and has finally come good for the Daredevils in a winning cause.

The Daredevils have a couple of talented young players in the form of Shreyas Iyer and Karun Nair. Rajasthan-born Karun Nair has already shown us that he can handle the pressure of performing in an IPL match when he scored 54 runs of just 41 deliveries against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. With JP Duminy in the lower middle order, the Daredevils have a set batting unit and they will not fear chasing big totals.

The bowling department is probably the best of this season with Zaheer Khan leading the way. The return of Mohammed Shami has certainly been a huge boost for the Daredevils. The South African International Chris Morris is providing the right kind of balance needed for the Daredevils, bowling with good pace and the right line and length.

The Delhi-born spinner Amit Mishra has been in splendid form for the Daredevils. Keeping the batsmen in check during the mid overs, Mishra has picked up a total of 7 wickets in just 4 matches with an impressive economy rate of just 6 runs per over. He will be a huge problem for the Gujarat Lions.

The Gujarat Lions have little to worry about. Their batting order, though Aaron Finch has been quiet in the last 2 matches looks good. The opening partnership has registered only a single partnership of more than 50 runs this campaign. Fitness has been an issue for Aaron Finch as he did not appear to be in tune with McCullum. It will be interesting to see if Finch will play the game against the Daredevils. It will be a better option to rest the Australian, get him back to full fitness and keep him for the rest of the tournament.

The ex-CSK player, Dwyane Smith has shown that he can take up the responsibility of opening alongside McCullum for the Lions. This will be a relief for the Lions if Finch is unable to play for their next match.

The bowlers went for a few against the Royal Challengers but there is little they could do against an in-form Virat Kohli. Pravin Kumar will be expected to bounce back and open the new ball with Dhawal Kulkarni. Ravindra Jadeja has been the pick of the bowlers for the Lions. The all-rounder has varied his pace really well and deceived the batsmen on a number of occasions.

The Delhi Daredevils will start out favorites as they have some experience playing on the Kotla pitch. They have beaten all odds this season and have assembled themselves superbly. The Gujarat Lions might meet their match.