So the final delivery of the final league stage match decided the final competitor in the playoffs. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals seemed to make Final Four from the very start of the tournament and the probability stayed down to the halfway run of the tournament. And just as things were going okay, they lost momentum. The probability of reaching the top half of the table suddenly appeared just possible. Delhi lost a fair number of matches late in the competition and Royal Challengers Bangalore lost four on the trot. Finally it was the possibility that took the upper hand and they made it….. reached the playoffs.

On the other hand a number of teams, though, woke up late and promised good cricket to the sheer entertainment of the fans all over the globe, failed to make playoffs and Sunrisers Hyderabad are just the exception. Hyderabad lost two consecutive matches at the start and then managed to win two or three matches and again in the middle, they lost three in a row. With the inclusion of Jason Holder they beat Rajasthan. Williamson replaced Bairstow to strengthen the middle order and they beat Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians at a stretch. It’s a fantastic finish on their part as all the three qualified for playoffs.

Back to today’s game, Delhi must not go with any experiment with Axar Patel and might include him in the playing XI. They had got enough time to set a plan for a big match. Mumbai, though outplayed in the last game, have nothing to worry, rather will keep it simple.

Prithvi Shaw must play his natural game and it’s the way he may make a comeback. It’s not a league stage match. So it’s time to concentrate and at the same time to attack. He can set the tone of the match against Mumbai pacers. Dhawan is in form. He is an internationally acclaimed batsman and it is why he needs to take more responsibility against world class bowlers. Ajinkya Rahane,not warmed up, tried best to get back to form last time. Shreyas Iyer and Stoinis did well so far in the tournament. Axar Patel, Daniel Sams and Ashwin can bat down the order.

Mumbai are the only side which are very consistent with their playing XI. But with Rohit Sharma’s return, there might be a change in the batting order. Ishan Kishan will be pushed down to No 4. Suryakumar Yadav is very consistent at No 3. Pollard and Hardik Pandya are the best duo in the lower middle order.

Bumrah and Boult will be back and Mumbai have nothing to look back to what happened against Hyderabad. Krunal Pandya and Pollard may share four overs.

With Nortje and Rabada at the start, Delhi have no less exciting bowling than Mumbai. Daniel Sams makes it a little bit stronger. Ashwin is a champion and at Dubai he might be a game changer. If Axar Patel bowls less against the left hand batsmen, Stoinis will take the charge.

Delhi should leave no stone unturned, as they have never made a final. As it’s a pressure game, to bat first is not a bad option. But a team like Mumbai will be happy to chase on the other. Dubai is not a Sharjah and therefore, we can expect an exciting and balanced game of cricket today.