Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers have a memorable history. While MI has always been a prominent team reaching the 2010 finals, DC have won 2009 championships and reached semifinal in 2010 also.
History
DC has a glorious past behind with one championship victory and another 4th place finish. But, in between lies a last place finish of 2008 too. MI had their best IPL in 2010 losing in the final. Overall they have played 6 matches and share equal honours. Both have won 3 matches each in last 3 editions. While DC won both matches in 2009, MI won both in 2010, both won one each in 2008.
2011 Performances
Chargers were thrashed by their erstwhile opponent Rajasthan Royals in the first match. Kolkata Knight Riders also defeated them in a close contest. But, playing at home they registered first ever victory trouncing Royal Challengers Bangalore. But, Kings XI Punjab shattered the dream of getting away with home jinx for Chargers when ex-DC captain and biggest assaulter of the tournament Valthaty marooned DC with runs. In their last match, they defeated Daredevils easily.
Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Daredevils in first match by 8 wickets, after bundling them below 100. Against Royal Challengers Banglore Mumbai Indians bowler laid the ground for a low chase, and batsmen ensured another emphatic victory by 9 wickets. But, in the home match against fresher Kochi Tuskers, despite scoring high total batting first for the first time, the bowlers failed to defend. But, they bounced back and thumped Pune Warriors India. In the last match against champions CSK, MI humbled them easily.
Player’s Performance in 2011
For Deccan, player’s performance index is better. Chipli, Sangakkara and Sohal have reached 100-run mark, Dhawan and Chrisitan are just within 10-runs distance to get there. Bowlers have performed better taking 24 wickets in 5 matches.
Mumbai Indians top order batsmen and bowlers have shown exceptional high in player’s performance index. Sachin is no more the Orange cap holder, but Malinga is still the Purple Cap holder. Rohit has joined Sachin and Rayudu in the 100-club. But the bowlers have been exceptional taking 33 wickets in 5 matches, one of the best performances of tournament so far.
Head-to-Head: MI 3, DC 3
2008
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DC def MI by 10 Wickets
MI def DC by 25 Runs
2009
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DC def MI by 12 Runs
DC def MI by 19 Runs
2010
- MI def DC by 41 R
MI def DC by 63 runs
Overall IPL Performances
Chargers are the second best team of IPL in terms of result, but have won only 19 matches as compared to 27 losses.
2010 performance have made them one of the top 5 teams of the tournament with a positive win-loss ration in last three editions. Sachin Tendulkar, their captain, was adjudged Man of the Series, despite losing the final in 2010. Overall MI has won 23, lost 20 and were part of an abandoned match till 2010.
Who Will Win Today!!
Considering current positions of teams Mumbai Indians are the favorite to win. Sachin has decided to play, despite his Guru’s death, although speculations were that he won’t play. More than the urge to celebrate his 38tth birthday today, the urge to pay a nice tribute to his Guru Sai Baba, may inspire him for another great knock. Another century may be on the cards!! DC is on the backfoot specially against the MI team who are the best team of IPl 2011 with bat, bowl and fielding.
DC has denied themselves the home advantage, winning just one match at home till now in IPL. Except Steyn and Sangakkara the team looks very immature. Yet going by the law of averages which the tournament has been following, DC should defeat MI today.
Key Battles
Sachin/Rayudu/Rohit/Symonds vs Steyn
Steyn can be the deciding factor of the match today. If DC has to make some impact on in-form batsmen Rayudu, Rohit and Symonds, Steyn is the key to hold them with some support from spinners like Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ojha, if he plays. Steyn’s victory or defeat will be DC’s victory or loss.
Rohit Sharma/Symonds vs DC
Both have played 3 editions for DC and both were not retained. Both are in good form already playing for MI, in the little opportunities they have got. DC would be keen to prove they do not miss services of both these players. On the other hand as many of the ex-players have done in current IPL, Rohit and Symonds would go for the kill to prove the ex-DC factor.
Sohal/Sangakkara/Chipli vs Malinga/Harbhajan
The two star bowlers have been the most successful duo in terms of wicket. DC batting has not clicked together. But, in times of desperation, Sangakkara is the best batsman always. With Sohal and Chipli already showing good form, their victory over Malinga and Harbhajan can be the key to DC’s victory.
DC Squad
Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara (Captain/Keeper), Jean-Paul Duminy, Michael Lumb, Kevin Pietersen, Anand Rajan, Kedar Devdhar, Shikhar Dhawan, Dwaraka Ravi Teja, Jaydev Shah, Arjun Yadav
Allrounder: Chris Lynn, Rusty Theron, Cameron White, Ashish Reddy
Bowlers: Dale Steyn, Daniel Christian, Ankit Sharma, Akash Bhandari, Bharat Chipli, Manpreet Gony, Harmeet Singh, Ishank Jaggi, Ishan Malhotra, Amit Mishra, Pragyan Ojha, Ishant Sharma, Sunny Sohal
Mumbai Indians Squad
Batsman: Sachin Tendulkar (Captain), Ambati Rayudu, Rajagopal Sathish, Rohit Sharma, Tirumalasetti Suman, Aditya Tare (WK), Davy Jacobs (WK)
Allrounder: James Franklin, Moises Henriques, Kieron Pollard, Andrew Symonds
Bowlers: Aiden Blizzard, Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga, Harbhajan Singh, Munaf Patel, Abu Nechim, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sarul Kanwar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ali Murtaza, Pawan Suyal, Santosh Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav
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