Battle for relevance as Delhi Capitals face Mumbai Indians in a must-win game for both teams 

Bet on this Game

Our Predictions

• Mumbai has a strong batting line-up with Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav in the team
• Delhi Capitals' opener and key batsman Prithvi Shaw has made only 19 runs in three games
• Mumbai Indians have won the last six out of nine games they have played against Delhi Capitals 

MATCH PREVIEW    

The stakes will be high for Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians in the 16th game of the Indian Premier League. Both sides would be desperate to earn their first points for the season. The Capitals have lost three games in a row, and their top order has failed to deliver the goods. The story has been similar for the Mumbai Indians, as star players haven't performed to the best of their abilities. A loss would make it difficult for both teams, especially the Capitals, and we should have an interesting contest. 

Delhi Capitals Preview     

Three games, three losses, and skipper David Warner fighting a lone battle. It has been the story of the Delhi Capitals so far. They went down against Rajasthan Royals by 57 runs in the last game. It was a poor show from their batsmen and bowlers. The betting odds are against them and Warner and Co must put this behind them, as one more loss would hurt their chances of making it to the playoffs. 

Scores of 12, 7, and 0 don't read well for an opener, and Prithvi Shaw must support skipper Warner at the top. A good start from them will put the side in a strong position. The middle order has looked rusty, and they need runs from Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, and Lalit Yadav. Axar Patel, Rovmann Powell, and Abhishek Porell must do well in the finishers' role for the side to win  

Their bowling attack has looked toothless in the three games the side has played. They will need good spells from Anrich Nortje and Khaleel Ahmed in this game, as Mumbai has good players at the top. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav will enjoy the conditions and must use it to their advantage. Mukesh Kumar and Powell must use the ball well. 

Expected Starting XI for Delhi Capitals    

David Warner (c), Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, Rovman Powell, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Abishek Porel (wk), Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Prithvi Shaw 

Mumbai Indians Preview    

The 5-time IPL champions look the weakest they have been in years. Injuries have hurt the side's strength with the ball, and they need to compensate for this with the bat. Rohit Sharma is an experienced campaigner who will look to lead from the front. The star-studded batting line-up must gain form in this game and get going in the tournament. 

Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan got starts in the last game. The side will expect a solid platform from them at the top. The middle order hasn't been consistent, and the side will expect runs from Suryakumar Yadav, Cameron Green and Tilak Varma. These players complement each other. Tim David, Tristan Stubbs, and Arshad Khan add depth to this line-up, and runs will be expected from them. 

Jasprit Bumrah's injury has been a body blow to the side. They have a relatively weak attack and must make the best of the available resources. Jason Behrendorff and Arshad Khan will be aware of Delhi's batting woes and look to exploit them. Green looked last game, and he needs to stop the flow of runs in the middle overs along with Piyush Chawla and Hrithik Shokeen. 

Expected Starting XI for Mumbai Indians    

Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Cameron Green, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Tristan Stubbs, Arshad Khan, Hrithik Shokeen, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff 

TOSS: To Bowl First     

Arun Jaitley Stadium has favored sides that chase scores. The wicket can be two-paced at times and causes worry in the batsmen's minds. A target score in mind is an advantage. The side winning the toss will like to go by past records and invite the opposition to bat first in this game. 

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS     

It will be a hot evening in Delhi, and the wicket will be two-paced, as we had seen in the last game played here. Batsmen have to be watchful and play on the up. There won't be much for the fast bowlers on this track, but spinners will enjoy these conditions. The side batting first will be happy to have 180 runs on the board. 

OUR PREDICTION     

Both camps will be under pressure to perform in this game. Delhi Capitals have been in poor shape, with their top order failing to support the skipper. They have to bat well on a challenging surface to win this game. The Mumbai Indians have a strong batting line-up, and their batsmen have got starts. It will be a close contest as the stakes are high, but Mumbai, with better balance in the team, shall start favorites according to cricket betting sites. 

Our Prediction is for Mumbai Indians to win