Delhi ready to consolidate against an upbeat Mumbai

New Delhi, Apr 26: A thrilling victory against Kings XI Punjab in Mohali must have provided the much-needed boost to Mumbai Indians but hosts Delhi Daredevils still remain favourites when the two teams square off in a return-leg IPL match, here tomorrow.

With tournament reaching mid-way stage, Virender Sehwag’s men have looked most compact among the nine sides in the fray and the Daredevils will certainly like to consolidate their position as table toppers.

The last time the two teams locked horns at the Wankhede Stadium, Delhi pacers had steamrolled over the ‘Men in Blue’ but that was a match that didn’t feature Sachin Tendulkar.

Both teams had contrasting victories in their previous matches.

While Daredevils romped home courtesy a typical Sehwag innings against Pune Warriors, Mumbai Indians had to depend on Robin Peterson’s innovations and Piyush Chawla’s profligacy to get their campaign back on track.

Even as Tendulkar’s form in the two matches, since his comeback from finger injury, has been reassuring, Mumbai Indians’ bowling is still a cause of worry with no Lasith Malinga to bowl those menacing toe-crushers at the death.

Skipper Harbhajan Singh’s extended ‘wicket-drought’ has also affected the team very badly. The veteran of 98 Tests and 229 ODIs has managed only one wicket in seven games so far.

Worse, Harbhajan has been leaking runs regularly and has not contributed well with the bat.

The Daredevils, on the other hand, have been pretty consistent throughout.

Royal Challengers to face high-voltage encounter

Bangalore, Apr 24: An intense battle is on the cards as two in-form teams in start-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore and defending champions Chennai Super Kings lock horns in an important Indian Premier League encounter, here tomorrow.

Both RCB and CSK have hit form after a slow start to the tournament. While RCB has registered three back-to-back wins after a few defeats, CSK will riding high on confidence following victories over Pune Warriors India and Rajasthan Royals in their last two matches.

But tomorrow’s match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium occupies special significance for RCB as they will be eyeing revenge following their lost to CSK in Chennai earlier this month.

And the hosts, who would be desperate after the last-over loss to CSK in the away match, have the ammunition to dismantle the visitors’ fort at home conditions.

RCB, who lost to CSK and Rajasthan Royals in a row, have improved a lot as the tournament progressed, winning three games on the trot and would be hoping to continue their unbeaten stretch.

RCB would be taking heart from the fact that they pulled off an easy win against Rajasthan Royals in their own backyard last night without much contributions from explosive Chris Gayle (4) and Virat Kohli (16).

To RCB’s delight, Tillakaratne Dilshan and A B de Villiers have regained their lost touch, which should sound warning bells in the opposition camps.

Dilshan returned to form in style, scoring a match-winning unbeaten 76 and together with AB de Villiers, who scored a quickfire unbeaten 59 off just 23 balls, shared an unconquered 122-run fourth wicket partnership to propel RCB to 189 for three against Rajasthan last night.

But Virat Kohli’s dismal form will be the only concern for RCB skipper Daniel Vettori ahead of the CSK tie.