Mumbai Indians dare the Delhi Daredevils

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Perhaps no other IPL team know how fickle the T20 format is than the Mumbai Indians.

From staring at a defeat at one point to hammering their way to a four-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab, the team learnt an important lesson last Wednesday — the match is not over till the last ball is bowled.

Now, when Harbhajan Singh and Co. face formidable Delhi Daredevils at the Kotla on Friday, it would be easier for them to forget the seven-wicket loss to the same side at home.

Mumbai have had a parabolic Season Five and their recent losses have ensured they remain among the teams struggling to stay out of the bottom three.

Delhi, on the other hand, seem to be going strong after having cemented their position in the top half.

Mumbai’s batting has been responsible equally for their wins as well as losses. Even on the occasions when their bowlers have done well, the batsmen, especially the top order has been unreliable.

Rohit Sharma, Kieron Pollard and Amb-ati Rayudu have been among the run-getters for the side, making up for the early exit of their openers.

But, on the days when the trio has failed Mumbai’s batting has fallen flat on its face.

Their bowlers have given some face-saving performances, with Pollard serving as an all-rounder. Harbhajan might be having a great time with the ball, but he has used his artillery well.

Besides, Munaf Patel and R.P. Singh could do well on the Kotla pitch that has given pacers a chance to improve their figures.

However, it will all boil down to how well Mumbai’s bowlers do to contain Virender Sehwag and Kevin Pietersen.

The two can single-handedly turn the course of a match. In all, Mumbai are yet to produce an extra-ordinary performance.

Key player : Delhi Daredevils, Kevin Pietersen

Not only can he make any target look gettable, his switch-hit can bring dull stands to life. If he hits off a partnership with skipper Virender Sehwag, the Mumbai bowlers can only run for shelter.

Key player : Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma

One of the very few batsmen who have done consistently well for the Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma comes in with a half-century in the last game against Kings XI Punjab. He might hold the key to Mumbai’s success on Friday.