Sunrisers Hyderabad seek first points against table-toppers Delhi Capitals

The two teams facing off in tonight’s fixture in the Dream 11 IPL could not be further apart on the points table. Sometimes the points table this early in the tournament might not provide a just reflection of the teams’ performances, but even only two games into the season, the Delhi Capitals look like a team to beat while the Sunrisers have been hit and miss in their opening two games.

Sunrisers' fragile middle order has been exposed in both their games in the tournament. Against RCB, well on course to a victory, the lack of experience in the middle order was evident, their last 8 wickets falling for just 32 runs. They endured a similar fate against KKR, lack of firepower post the top 3, ranking high among the Sunrisers’ list of concerns. Perhaps there is a case to be made for Kane Williamson to be included in the playing eleven, even if it means they will have to sacrifice Mohammad Nabi down the order. Manish Pandey has looked in fine touch at No.3, and with the addition of Kane Williamson, the batting order will receive a much-needed facelift.

On the contrasting end of the spectrum, the Delhi Capitals look like early season favorites to make the playoffs. The team looks a well-oiled machine with hardly any glaring voids in their eleven. Not even an injury to a premier off-spinner in R Ashwin has dented their strength. While Marcus Stoinis bailed them out down the order in their first game, the top order fired for them against CSK in the team’s second fixture of the season. The South African pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje has worked up some serious pace, while the spin bowling department dons a complete look to it with the management spoilt for choices.

If the Sunrisers are to put up a fight, they will need their opening pair of David Warner and Johnny Bairstow to bat out of their skins. Their battle against the pace of Rabada and Nortje will make for fascinating viewing. Although on paper and excel sheets, this fixture seems as lopsided it can be, if the previous two games have taught us anything, it is that two good overs are all it takes to sway the game one way or the other. Perhaps the Sunrisers’ experience of having already played a game in Abu Dhabi will give them something going into the game against Delhi who are yet to play away from the Dubai International stadium.