Unlike the last six editions, this is the first edition where Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians match is not considered a match between big teams. Both the teams have lost three matches so far. DD has an upper hand as they have registered a win also, and they appear to be surging unlike MI who still appear clueless as their star-filled team has not even been able to put up fight in any of the three defeats faced so far in IPL 2014, which is easily their worst edition so far. Even in 2013, when DD finished with only 4 wins, emphatic win against MI was one of those. Both are placed at the bottom of Points Tally and as for the first time in the current edition DD appears favorite before a match, MI appears set to retain the bottom position.
History
They share a very interesting history. Except 2008 and 2013 when they shared a win each, in other four editions they have dominated each other completely. In 2009 and 2012 DD won both the matches, while in 2010 and 2011, MI won both the matches. Tendulkar and Sehwag were their respective key players till the last edition, and played important role in their matches.
Head-to-Head: MI 6, DD 6
2008
- MI def DD by 29 Runs
DD def MI by 5 Wickets
2009
- DD def MI by 7 Wickets
DD def MI by 4 Wickets
2010
- MI def DD by 98 Runs
MI def DD by 39 Runs
- MI def DD by 8 wkts
MI def DD by 32 runs
- DD won by 7 wkts
DD won by 37 runs
2008 Performance
DD reached the semifinal. They Won 7, Lost 7 and one match was abandoned.
In 2008, MI won 7 and lost 7.
2009 Performance
DD again reached the semifinal with a better record of 9 wins and 7 losses.
In 2009, MI won 5 and lost 8, with one match abandoned.
2010 Performance
Despite having 7 wins and 7 losses, DD could not reach 3rd consecutive semifinal.
MI was successful winning 11 and losing only 4.
2011 Performance
DD finished at the bottom. won 4 and 9.
MI finished third, winning 10 and losing 6.
2012 Performance
Both reached the knockout and DD finished 4th.
2013 Performance
Finally, MI won the tournament, and DD reached rock bottom with only 3 wins, least by any team in any edition.
2014 Performance
For the first time in 6 editions, MI has lost all the first three matches. Their batting has been worrisome while except Malinga their bowling looks the best only on paper. They lost the first match to KKR by 41 runs, second match to RCB by 7 wickets and third match to CSK by 7 wickets.
Delhi Daredevils on the other hand appeared the weakest in the first two matches. But with return of official captain Pietersen and inclusion of de Kock, the team is heading upwards. They have lost the first match to RCB by 8 wickets, third match to CSK by 93 runs registering one of their lowest IPL scores, and fourth to SRH by 4 runs. They won their second match against KKR by 4 wickets.
Overall Performance
DD, having reached semifinal in the first two editions and 2012 have Won 43, Lost 43 and had two no results, one each against KKR (2008) and Pune Warriors (2011).
Mumbai Indians have the second best team record, after CSK with 56 Wins, 42 Losses, 1 NR against Rajasthan Royals in 2009. They have already matched RCB with four semifinal appearances and 2 final appearances.
Team Comparison
Rohit Sharma was made the captain mid-way in 2013 accompanied with batting performances earned MI their first IPL title. An year, after it appears for better performances, Rohit Sharma needs to be replaced as Captain, as Ponting was replaced last year, for better results. He is appearing as clueless as Ponting had last year. Yes, the let Maxwell and Karthik go, but then on paper they are still strong team. Anderson and Rohit Sharma warmed up with good knocks finally in the last defeat. Yet, the bowlers are yet to join the party together. Except Malinga all are appearing not ready for the challenge. Nothing much to take positives so far.
Delhi Daredevils on the other hand started as a very weak team, only dependent on Duminy. But, now the batting appears strong with Karthik showing signs of consistency, de Kock and Pietersen joining the ranks. Bowling still needs improvement to get them into top 5, if not top four. But, overall among the weak performers their team still looks better than MI.
Verdict
Sehwag trounced MI single-handedly at home in 2013 scoring unbeaten 95 runs. DD without Sehwag appears incomplete. Still, Karthik, de Kock, Duminy and Pietersen with the help from balanced bowling unit are making them look strong team now. Dinesh Karthik, specially has a lot to settle with MI for whom he performed so well, still they dropped him out of squad. It may be too late to regret for MI, as with a good match defining innings today Dinesh Karthik could thank them in helping him become the second-highest paid player of IPL 2014.
Except Malinga none appear lethal, and instead of MI batsmen it is the DD batsmen who appear more settled and ready to score and chase high total. DD certainly holds the aces in this match.
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