Nicholas Pooran and Kuldeep Yadav. (Source -Twitter/X)
Delhi Capitals (DC) will take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)in the 64th match of the IPL 2024 on May 14 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. The match will be of huge relevance in the league as both sides are on the brink of elimination. DC lost their last game against RCB by 47 runs and made things worse for themselves. Their net run rate has taken a hit and they need a massive win to stay alive in the tournament. After claiming four wins in five matches, DC faltered against RCB to reduce their qualification chances.
LSG are not in any better position either. They lost their previous game against SRH by a huge margin of 10 wickets as SRH chased 166 runs in 9.2 overs. As a result, LSG’s net run rate took a huge dip and they need to win by a huge margin to stay alive in the race for the playoffs. T
Both teams have some of the best players in the world in their lineup. However, bowling seems to be an issue for both. In particular, pace bowling on both sides seems to be ordinary. Both the teams have quality spinners and a good set of batters. As the match will happen in Delhi, one can expect a run fest.
Here are the top player battles to watch out for in the 64th match of the IPL 2024 between DC and LSG –
Jake Fraser McGurk vs Mohsin Khan
Jake Fraser McGurk has been one of the best openers this season. Despite not getting an opportunity to play in the first four matches, the young batter made the most of the opportunities since then. The emerging batter has four fifties to his name, of which two of them came in 15 balls. In the powerplay overs, he is a beast.
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To stop him early in the innings, LSG does not have as many good options. However, among the given bowlers, Mohsin Khan seems to be the best bet. The left-arm pacer operates at a good pace and can swing the ball. In Delhi, Mohsin’s pace might be determinant to dismiss Fraser-McGurk. The winner of the battle could well decide the fate of the match.
KL Rahul vs Khaleel Ahmed
KL Rahul could not contribute much against SRH. To redeem himself after his 29(33) and the events that transpired later on, the star batter would be hoping to put on a show. If he gets set early in the innings, it would be difficult for the bowlers to stop him as he can dangerous in the last few overs of the game.
Therefore, DC would look to claim wickets at the start and their best option for doing that is Khaleel Ahmed. The left-arm pacer can swing the new ball and has decent pace. Khaleel usually bowls two or three overs early in the innings, which gives him a good chance to dismiss Rahul.
Nicholas Pooran vs Kuldeep Yadav
Nicholas Pooran is one of the best batters in the middle overs phase this season. When on song, the southpaw can win matches on his own. In the last game against SRH, his partnership with Ayush Badoni helped LSG post a decent total. Furthermore, Pooran can score runs against both pace and spin.
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If there is someone who can stop him, it is Kuldeep Yadav. The chinaman spinner was unlucky in the last game against RCB as a couple of catches were dropped off his bowling. He is a genuine wicket-taker and can impact the match with his economical spells. There is a good chance of him getting to bowl to Pooran. The winner of the battle could give their side an advantage.