New Delhi: Zaheer Khan's Delhi Daredevils are keen to grab their season's first victory when their scintillating pace attack will charge against the heavy-batting line-up of Rising Pune Supergiant at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Tuesday.
For the Pune-basd team they indeed looked supergiant, when seen on paper. They have got some of the best batsmen in the sheet and a few bowlers too, but things didnt seem to work out properly in both their matches this season.
Despite a win in their season's opener against neighbours, Mumbai Indians at home, the team did forth displaying some applauding batting performance. With Ajinkya Rahane, Steve Smith and MS Dhoni in the line-up, they look rather unbeatable. But it is their bowling that lacks that x-factor.
It is only the leggie Imran Tahir who has been the stand-out performer for Pune. While Ben Stokes and Daniel Christian have both been rather average with their bowling skills.
With Pune's pitch being more of a spin friendly, Smith might be looking to include Adam Zampa on the list. Although the Aussie leg-spinner hasnt been at his best so far in the season, playing just one match. Rajat Bhatia too might prove instrumental with his 'slow, slower, slowest' delivery.
Delhi Daredevils, on the other hand, has been more of a bowling team. A mere opposite to their opponents in this match, Daredevils will seem to continue with their top pacers – Cummins, Morris, the skipper himself along with spin combo of experienced Mishra and economical Nadeem.
But what is worth a concern for them is their batting. While Sam Billings was expected to provide that grip to the team in their opening encounter against Bengaluru, but he fell shortly after a few boundaries. Apart from Rishabh Pant, no one stood there long enough to defend RCB's low total.
They need the local boys to deliver their best and also need some amount of support from their all-rounders as far as batting is concerned. Zaheer will probably look to include Kiwi international Corey Anderson on the sheet to strengthen their batting line-up, however, the inclusion of Kagiso Rabada is still in doubts.
Here is a look at the possible playing XI for the two teams...
Rising Pune Supergaint- Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane, Steve Smith (c), Manoj Tiwary, Ben Stokes, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wk), Rajat Bhatia, Imran Tahir, Adam Zampa, Daniel Christian, Ashok Dinda.
Delhi Daredevils- Sam Billings, Aditya Tare, Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair, Sanju Samson, Corey Anderson, Chris Morris, Pat Cummins, Amit Mishra, Shahbaz Nadeem, Zaheer Khan (c)
