After an unprecedented IPL 2021 that took place over two phases and countries, we finally are at the business end of the tournament. It is a testament to DC’s strength and consistency that we are again part of the final four of the competition, for the third year in a row.
Finishing top of the table means we get two cracks at securing a spot in the finals, and standing in between us and that right now are the Chennai Super Kings, a side we have beaten four times running.
However, Head Coach Ricky Ponting is all too aware that for all the good work our boys have done this year, the real test begins now.
“I think we should be very confident. You know, we have beaten them twice in the round games. But as you know, the playoff games are completely different. And you know I think our tournament really starts now. We totally respect them as a playing group and them as a franchise, but I am pretty sure that if we play as well as we can play, we will be very hard to beat.”
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DC have had the measure of CSK in IPL 2021
We recently completed the double over the Men in Yellow this season, which will do Rishabh Pant and Co.’s confidence a world of good going into the game.
Across the two games, both our batters and bowlers have risen to the occasion to see off one of the most successful franchises in the history of the competition.
In Game 1, it was the Gabbar-Shaw Show that stitched together a 138-run partnership that helped us chase down 189 with 7 wickets and 10 balls to spare. The second game was much more closely fought, where Hettie held his nerve to get us over the line after our bowlers had restricted the Super Kings to 136/5 in Dubai.
With Qualifier 1 too taking place in Dubai, the DC Men in Blue will be confident about putting their best foot forward and booking their place in the IPL 2021 final at the first opportunity.
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Stat Attack
Anrich Nortje has had the time of his life in the UAE leg of IPL 2021. ‘Anas’ as he is fondly called by his friends and teammates, has picked up 9 wickets in 6 games in UAE, often troubling batsmen up top with his express pace. His economy of 5.59 is the best in IPL 2021 for bowlers with a minimum of 20 overs bowled in the competition.
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Gabbar excited DC fans with some sumptuous shots in the last game, including 2 sixes on the night. Two more, and he will bring up a double ton of sixes in T20 cricket.
Captain Pantastic has been hugely impressive in his debut season as skipper. On Sunday, when he comes out for the toss, he will become the youngest player to lead a side in an IPL Playoff game at 24 years and 6 days.
Key Battles
Bapu vs Faf
Faf du Plessis will eye the Orange Cap on Sunday, with the South African in 2nd position behind KL Rahul. He has been a force to be reckoned with up top, ensuring CSK fly out of the blocks. The task of stopping his charge will fall on our Bapu, who has dismissed him twice.
Gabbar vs Lord Thakur
Shardul Thakur is CSK’s leading wicket-taker this season with 18 wickets, with the pacer getting his captain a breakthrough whenever called upon. But the in-form seamer will meet his match when he bowls to Gabbar. The DC southpaw strikes at 156.81 against Thakur, and that match-up will be crucial in ensuring we get a good start while batting in Dubai.
The Indore Express vs MSD
MS Dhoni hasn’t enjoyed the best of IPLs this season, but the icon has made a mark on the big occasions throughout his career. If he gets going on Sunday, Avesh Khan, who has already dismissed MSD twice this season, will be Pant’s go-to man to keep him quiet.
Will the DC Tigers come up trumps against the Men in Yellow to set up a date with destiny on October 15? Well, they certainly have the goods to do just that.
After an unprecedented IPL 2021 that took place over two phases and countries, we finally are at the business end of the tournament. It is a testament to DC’s strength and consistency that we are again part of the final four of the competition, for the third year in a row.
Finishing top of the table means we get two cracks at securing a spot in the finals, and standing in between us and that right now are the Chennai Super Kings, a side we have beaten four times running.
However, Head Coach Ricky Ponting is all too aware that for all the good work our boys have done this year, the real test begins now.
“I think we should be very confident. You know, we have beaten them twice in the round games. But as you know, the playoff games are completely different. And you know I think our tournament really starts now. We totally respect them as a playing group and them as a franchise, but I am pretty sure that if we play as well as we can play, we will be very hard to beat.”
View this post on Instagram
DC have had the measure of CSK in IPL 2021
We recently completed the double over the Men in Yellow this season, which will do Rishabh Pant and Co.’s confidence a world of good going into the game.
Across the two games, both our batters and bowlers have risen to the occasion to see off one of the most successful franchises in the history of the competition.
In Game 1, it was the Gabbar-Shaw Show that stitched together a 138-run partnership that helped us chase down 189 with 7 wickets and 10 balls to spare. The second game was much more closely fought, where Hettie held his nerve to get us over the line after our bowlers had restricted the Super Kings to 136/5 in Dubai.
With Qualifier 1 too taking place in Dubai, the DC Men in Blue will be confident about putting their best foot forward and booking their place in the IPL 2021 final at the first opportunity.
View this post on Instagram
Stat Attack
Anrich Nortje has had the time of his life in the UAE leg of IPL 2021. ‘Anas’ as he is fondly called by his friends and teammates, has picked up 9 wickets in 6 games in UAE, often troubling batsmen up top with his express pace. His economy of 5.59 is the best in IPL 2021 for bowlers with a minimum of 20 overs bowled in the competition.
View this post on Instagram
Gabbar excited DC fans with some sumptuous shots in the last game, including 2 sixes on the night. Two more, and he will bring up a double ton of sixes in T20 cricket.
Captain Pantastic has been hugely impressive in his debut season as skipper. On Sunday, when he comes out for the toss, he will become the youngest player to lead a side in an IPL Playoff game at 24 years and 6 days.
Key Battles
Bapu vs Faf
Faf du Plessis will eye the Orange Cap on Sunday, with the South African in 2nd position behind KL Rahul. He has been a force to be reckoned with up top, ensuring CSK fly out of the blocks. The task of stopping his charge will fall on our Bapu, who has dismissed him twice.
Gabbar vs Lord Thakur
Shardul Thakur is CSK’s leading wicket-taker this season with 18 wickets, with the pacer getting his captain a breakthrough whenever called upon. But the in-form seamer will meet his match when he bowls to Gabbar. The DC southpaw strikes at 156.81 against Thakur, and that match-up will be crucial in ensuring we get a good start while batting in Dubai.
The Indore Express vs MSD
MS Dhoni hasn’t enjoyed the best of IPLs this season, but the icon has made a mark on the big occasions throughout his career. If he gets going on Sunday, Avesh Khan, who has already dismissed MSD twice this season, will be Pant’s go-to man to keep him quiet.
Will the DC Tigers come up trumps against the Men in Yellow to set up a date with destiny on October 15? Well, they certainly have the goods to do just that.
