Delhi Daredevils need a victory in their penultimate league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad today to stay in contention for a play-off berth
Delhi Daredevils' spinner Amit Mishra (right) celebrates the wicket of Mumbai Indians' skipper Rohit Sharma with captain Zaheer Khan at Visakhapatnam on Sunday
Raipur: Delhi Daredevils face a do-or-die situation when they take on table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match here today.
Delhi Daredevils' spinner Amit Mishra (right) celebrates the wicket of Mumbai Indians' skipper Rohit Sharma with captain Zaheer Khan at Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Pic/AFP
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With 12 points from 12 games, Daredevils need to win their penultimate league match to stay in contention for play-off berth. A loss will knock them out of the last four race.
Hyderabad, after a consistent run in the ninth edition of the cash-rich tournament, sit comfortably at the top of the points table with 16 points from 12 games.
The David Warner-led Sunrisers have already qualified for the play-offs. Delhi come into today's match after a 19-run loss to Rising Pune Supergiants, while Hyderabad have beaten Kings XI Punjab by seven wickets.
Rahul Dravid-mentored Delhi failed to find any rhythm in the last two outings and will aim to give their all when they come up against a strong Hyderabad side.
The top and middle order batsmen comprising Quinton de Kock, Sanju Samson, Karun Nair, Shreyas Iyer will have to get back among runs to help the team to a competitive total.
The experienced JP Duminy and all-rounder Chris Morris will hope to accelerate at the death overs with the bat which they are well known for.
The pace bowling department lead by skipper Zaheer Khan, Mohammad Shami, Nathan Coulter-Nile has been consistent but failed to make it count in the crucial moments of the game in the last two matches.
Leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who has been amongst the wickets will aim to deliver a similar show against Sunrisers.
On the other hand, riding on opening duo skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan's good form, Hyderabad have made it to the play-off stages at ease and are a top contender for the title.
Their middle order comprising New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson, India's veteran all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, Australia's Moises Henriques have stepped in well with handy knocks.
Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Bangladesh promising talent Mustafizur Rahman comprised bowling unit has been the most consistent so far in the ongoing season. The trio will hope to continue their rich vein of form.
Captains' wishlist
Zaheer Khan Delhi Daredevils
> Chris Morris continues his fine form with bat and ball
> Spinner Amit Mishra provides crucial breakthroughs
> In-form SRH opener David Warner is dismissed early
David Warner Sunrisers Hyderabad
> He provides a big opening stand with Shikhar Dhawan
> Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman take early wickets
> Yuvraj Singh puts up an all-round show
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