DC vs RCB: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
The match number 46 of the Indian Premier League would see Delhi Capitals clashing with Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi on Sunday. While Delhi would look to win and seal their spot in the play-offs, it is almost a do-or-die scenario for Virat Kohli and his boys. Here we present the match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report.
Delhi enjoying a good run, Bangalore edge past Punjab
Delhi Capitals continued their strong run, as they dominated Rajasthan Royals in their last match. They defeated them by six wickets, away from home. Interestingly, RCB have also found momentum after suffering six losses on the trot. They too overcame a tough challenge from Kings XI Punjab, edging past by just 17 runs to keep their hopes of qualifying for the play-offs alive.
Rishabh Pant, AB de Villiers among men to watch out
All eyes would on Delhi's Rishabh Pant, who was their star in the last game, smashing an unbeaten 78 off just 36 balls. Also, in the frame would be RCB's AB de Villiers, whose unblemished form, this term, makes him the million-dollar man. Meanwhile, RCB would miss the services of Moeen Ali for the rest of the season, who is out on international duty.
Bangalore have traditionally dominated Delhi
The head-to-head clashes have been dominated by Bangalore. In 22 IPL matches to date, while Delhi have won seven, RCB have won double of it. Of 19 matches in India, Delhi have won six, whereas, RCB have pocketed 12. In Delhi, out of eight matches, the hosts have won a couple, while RCB have won the rest. The last leg was won by Delhi.
Kotla to sport another sluggish track
The Kotla track in Delhi has been traditionally known to play slow. This has been the story this year as well. Thus, chances are spinners would dominate the show once again. Of five matches in 2019, the side, batting second, has won on three occasions. The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first, owing to the dew factor at night.
Here's the predicted XI
DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant, Colin Ingram, Chris Morris, Keemo Paul, Axar Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma. RCB: Parthiv Patel, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Marcus Stoinis, Akshdeep Nath, Colin de Grandhomme, Washington Sundar, Tim Southee, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal. Dream11: Parthiv, Kohli, AB (c), Iyer, Shaw, Stoinis, Morris, Axar, Saini, Rabada (vice-captain), Mishra.
When, where and how to watch
Match: Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. Time: 4 PM (IST). Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.
