The memory of Punjab Kings racing to 122/1 in just 10 overs before play was abruptly halted continues to haunt DC. Yet, it might have been a blessing in disguise, saving them from what looked like another loss.
Before that night, DC had managed just one win in six matches, a stretch that severely dented their playoff hopes. With three matches left, all against teams currently above them in the standings, DC must find their early-season form fast.
A major blow for DC is the absence of Mitchell Starc, who has opted not to return for the rest of the tournament. While not in peak form, Starc’s big-match experience would have been crucial. The Capitals are now hoping for quick reinforcement, with Mustafizur Rahman expected to join only hours before the game.
GT, meanwhile, appear poised for a top-two finish. Sitting on 16 points from 11 matches, their openers, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, are all in the Orange Cap race with over 500 runs each.
However, their middle-order remains largely untested and nearly cost them in a recent rain-affected match in Mumbai. With Buttler unavailable beyond the league stage, this could be a concern going forward.
The venue itself promises fireworks, Delhi has averaged 215 in first innings since IPL 2024, making it a paradise for batters. However, DC’s opening combination has struggled, averaging just over 20, the lowest among all teams. In contrast, GT’s openers are the most prolific, averaging nearly 58 per partnership.
With playoff implications looming and both teams eyeing different goals, DC’s survival vs GT’s domination, this encounter is set up as a high-octane clash. The Capitals must overcome emotional baggage and key absences, while Titans will aim to shore up their middle order and maintain momentum heading into the playoffs.
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