Delhi Daredevils vs Titans – Champions League T20 – Match Preview
With plenty still at stake in Group A, Delhi Daredevils and Titans battle in a bid to secure their place in the semi-final of the Champions League T20, with the match scheduled to be played at the SuperSport Park, Centurion, today, October 23, 2012.
Both teams had been the pace setters in a group which was considerably tighter that the other, where Sydney Sixers and Highveld http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Titans-c856 after they were overwhelmed by the already eliminated Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous game.
The 99-run beating not only dented their net-rate but further dealt a blow to their confidence. Their Head Coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Matthew-Peter-Maynard-c75259, was wary of the fact that another blip would prove decisive and they can ill afford to approach the game in a negative frame of mind.
However, given the fact that the opposition is Delhi Daredevils, whom he termed a complete side, loaded with match-winners, Maynard was further hopeful of Perth Scorchers doing them a favour by defeating http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Auckland-c766 Aces.
If Scorchers manage to notch up their first win in the opening game today, then Titans will have no fear with their clash becoming inconsequential as they will qualify, along with the Daredevils. However, all will change if Aces conjure up a win, as they will then sit level with the IPL franchise on 10 points, and will qualify if Titans lose.
"Our disciplines did not reflect our potential [against Kolkata Knight Riders] in Cape Town," Maynard said. "We need Perth to do us a favour against Auckland but if that doesn't happen, we'll have to be ready for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Delhi-c780."
Much of their success has been built on the contributions from the openers. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Henry-Davids-c62423 has also been among the runs, and both have complimented each other well so far.
They need to provide the team with a solid start and hope that the remaining pack chips in as well. Their bowling went for a pounding at the hands of KKR and the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Graham-Robert-Cowdrey-c60631 der Merwe has been their best bowler, economy wise, where he has conceded well under five-runs per over. Expect him to keep his form intact against his one-time bosses.
However, coming up against Delhi, or for that mathttp://www.senore.com/Cricket/M-Morkel-c73528, won’t be easy. The lanky pacer has caused havoc into the oppositions batting lineup and will be geared up to face his local franchise. His economy rate is exactly 5.50, and he has further taken 5 wickets in 2 matches, including 3 for 19 against the Scorchers.
If his presence is not enough, Delhi have plenty of firepower to count on in the batting department, which contains http://www.senore.com/Cricket/V-Sehwag-c2739 and the youngster Unmukt Chand. A win will ensure qualification; however, if they lose, and Aces win, then it will come down to net-run rate. For now, they will be confident in their own abilities and will look to keep their unbeaten run going.
To put it simple, the pitch at Centurion will aid Morne Morkel- styled bowling, and handling him will be key. Weather again remains the major obstacle with showers expected to spoil the evening.
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