The Daredevils rolled into the Sandton Sun late afternoon, tired but relieved that they got over the line in a tense finish in the previous game. They now take on the Titans to decide the final positions in the group.
The only IPL team still alive in the tournament, the Daredevils were scratchy the other day while fending off a spirited challenge, but captain Mahela Jayawardane, a battle-hardened veteran, who has experienced several ups and downs in his long cricket journey, was philosophical about the outcome. What matters, he said with typical calm, is to play the conditions and the match situation in a smart manner. Tight matches are challenging but if you come through, you get self-confidence and momentum, which is so critical.
Momentum and form for batsmen are what the Daredevils will look for as they near the business end of the CLT20. Till now, the top order has been inconsistent, but that, hopefully, is only a temporary blip.
Sehwag spent time in the middle to score a half century that was sedate by his standards and Mahela, KP and Ross Taylor are due for a big one. All three are seriously destructive, impact players. And, in case the batting does not sort out, there is the option of including David Warner who would be desperate to get off the bench.
{{/usCountry}}Sehwag spent time in the middle to score a half century that was sedate by his standards and Mahela, KP and Ross Taylor are due for a big one. All three are seriously destructive, impact players. And, in case the batting does not sort out, there is the option of including David Warner who would be desperate to get off the bench.
{{/usCountry}}Fortunately for the Daredevils, the pace attack looks sharp. Morkel is extremely threatening, bristling with energy and raw pace.
Delhi have the depth, the talent and the desire to advance, but the batters must discover form to seal the deal.
The writer is an official of an IPL team