Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals, Qualifier 1 - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Build up

Quite deservedly so, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals finished top two in the league stages with 18 and 16 points respectively. Yet, one would imagine that MI stand out as clear favourites tonight in the first qualifier. MI were on a roll smashing almost every team on their way and even though they were routed by 10 wickets in the final game, it shouldn't deter them in an ideal world. That MI camp is very experienced to realise that it was nothing but an inconsequential game from their perspective. And that even prompted them to rest Hardik Pandya, Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah - all three who are expected to return to the XI tonight.

On the contrary, DC went through a very rough patch perhaps at the wrong time losing four games on the trot in the second half of the tournament. After winning 7 out of their first 9 games, they suddenly looked out of depth losing one after the other with their qualification being in jeopardy at one stage. A win over RCB in their final fixture did help them arrest the slide and secure a top-two finish but there are some gaping holes to be filled. Is Ajinkya Rahane a permanent fix to DC's opening woes? Can he deliver when the target is beyond 180? Can Shreyas Iyer score against the likes of Boult and Bumrah? How about Rishabh Pant? He has been woeful this year but is this the game for him to turn things around?

Not to forget the fact that MI have picked up comfortable wins over DC in both their fixtures so far this season. In that second fixture played just five days ago, the DC batting lineup could muster only 110 against this attack and that will be a matter of huge concern. The odds are heavily stacked against DC but in this format, on any given day, any team can come out on top. They also have extra motivation tonight having never reached an IPL final before. Going through a rough patch since 2013, DC have finally managed to taste success. They finished in the top 4 last year and would love to reach the next level this time around. They are just a win away from reaching their maiden IPL final and that should push this group to fare better.