The race for the knock out round of Champions League is picking up pace as teams move towards paying their crucial matches that can make or break their chances. One match will be played on Friday as Delhi Daredevils take on Auckland Aces in Durban.
Delhi Daredevils have played only one match so far. The match ended in a win by 52 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite the presence of four teams from India, none of the sides has been able to beat a non-IPL team yet. On paper, Delhi Daredevils look like the strongest contender to do so.
In the last match played, Delhi batsmen piled up a good total with efforts from Umkut Chand and Ross Taylor who featured in a 63-run partnership.
The batting order also consists of Kevin Pietersen who flew back home during the break to hold meetings with ECB management. The swashbuckling batsmen is back in the national team and will be eager to cap the news with a return to form.
The bowling department also looks stable with Irfan Pathan, Morne Morkel and Umesh Yadav providing a rich mix of choices for Mahela Jayawardene, the captain.
Auckland Aces, in the meanwhile, need a win to keep their hopes realistically alive after the mauling they suffered against Titans two days ago.
The formula that allowed Auckland to succeed in three matches prior to their meeting with Titans flopped as the batsmen succumbed to pressure in a tall run chase.
Anaru Kitchen is still someone who gives the team plenty of hopes with the bat after yet another short but impressive innings. Azhar Mahmood will be the trump card as his presence has lifted the Auckland team to greater heights in the matches they have won.
Gareth Hopkins, the captain, vowed to put on a better show on Friday. The match will start at 5.30pm local time.