Laggards eye win to stay in contention

Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)

It will be a battle between two inconsistent outfits. It will also be a battle to break away from the bottom of the pile. And most importantly, it will be a battle to keep themselves in the hunt for the playoffs, since the side losing the game will find it hard to make the top four at the end of the league stage.

Ever since Delhi Daredevils broke their longest losing streak with back-to-back wins, they have maintained an alternate loss-win trend in the last five matches. Going by that trend, it is their turn to win on Tuesday. But for that to happen, they will need their middle order, especially Yuvraj Singh, to fire.

Besides, they will need to step up in the field. Allrounder Angelo Mathews said that Daredevils' poor effort against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday was the worst fielding performance in the tournament. If they cannot show stark improvement in their ground fielding, they will find it difficult to stay in contention.

Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have finally found things going their way after a four-match losing streak at the start. They have won their last three games and with Parthiv Patel getting a big one in Mohali on Sunday, Mumbai Indians have now had each of their top-six scoring at least one fifty this season. If they can continue in the same vein, Daredevils will have their work cut out.

Mumbai Indians WWWLW (last five matches, most recent first)
Delhi Daredevils LWLWL

Lasith Malinga may have been their highest wicket-taker, but Mitchell McClenaghan has been instrumental in starting the Mumbai Indians' winning spree. The New Zealand left-arm fast bowler, who warmed the bench virtually for the entire World Cup campaign, had to wait for his chance in the IPL too. Ever since he came in for the injured Corey Anderson, McClenaghan has been a revelation and has given the much-needed impetus to the Mumbai Indians attack by picking wickets regularly.

Imran Tahir was the joint-highest wicket-taker of the season when he was benched against Rajasthan Royals at the CCI on Sunday night, as the Daredevils management chose to boost its pace department on a green track. The legspinner would be keen to return and make a statement.

"We knew we just needed to get one win that would get the ball rolling."
Parthiv Patel on Mumbai Indians' quest to turn the tide after a slow start

"We need to win and keep in contention. It's still a wide open tournament."
Angelo Mathews spells out a bare fact to keep Daredevils' morale up