Delhi Daredevils v Pune Warriors India IPL 2011 Live Preview

The Match: In what will be the 68th game of this edition’s Indian Premier League, the Delhi Daredevils will look to play the Pune Warriors India at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi. Both sides have already crashed out of the tournament and will only be playing for pride. >

How the two teams match up: Interestingly, both, Pune and Delhi have eight points in the 13 games that they have played and this is their last match. There will be one winner and one losing side and the equation is simple – you lose and you end on the 10th position in the points table. On the other hand, the side winning this one, could end on the eighth position if the Chargers also go down in their game against the Punjab side.

Pune Warriors have played Delhi Daredevils once before in the tournament, in a high-scoring game at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, which was won by the Daredevils. They had chased down a total of 189 to win it in the last over.

Ground Conditions: The game will be played at the low and slow-scoring Feroz Shah Kotla, unless they decide to go ahead with the green-looking pitch.

The Teams: Pune Warriors India have avoided making a wholesale number of changes to their side despite the kind of batting performances that they have shown in the tournament. The side has consistently lost early wickets and that has put enough pressure on the lower order, making it difficult for them to get going.

Jesse Ryder may be shown the door and Graeme Smith would be given his chance while Callum Ferguson will continue to bat at the number three position. However, they need Yuvraj Singh to get going early enough and it should be before the ten-over mark.

The Delhi Daredevils need a good start from the Daredevils who have made things difficult for themselves by struggling with their bowling. This puts the pressure on the side to make things happen through their batting and that causes the collapses. Dave Warner and Naman Ojha need to start well while the chances of S Sriram getting another game look bleak.

Players to look out for: The Pune Warriors could bat Robin Uthappa at the number six position or in the last five overs when he can come out and bash the ball. Delhi will need Venugopal Rao to return back to form.

Prediction: Delhi could edge out the Pune Warriors.