Both Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore have made a solid start to IPL 2022, but with only four play-off places available, the pressure is on both sides to haul themselves out of mid-table into that top four. Currently, Delhi are in seventh – albeit having played only four matches – with Royal Challengers in sixth. But who will come out on top? Read on for our full Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore preview and prediction:
Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Preview and Prediction
IPL So Far
Delhi Capitals got off to a winning start in IPL 2022, beating Mumbai Indians comfortably. But they were unable to back that up against Gujarat Titans and they slumped to a second consecutive defeat against Lucknow Super Giants in their third match, failing to defend a first innings score of 149. However, they got back to winning ways against Kolkata Knight Riders, recording a handsome a 44-run victory, thanks largely to the efforts of David Warner and Prithvi Shaw at the top of the order.
Royal Challengers Bangalore, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a defeat at the hands of Punjab Kings, despite scoring 205 runs in the first innings, but they bounced back from that disappointment to beat Kolkata Knight Riders. They then made it three wins on the bounce with further victories over Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians. But their winning run was snapped by Chennai Super Kings, who claimed their first win of 2022 with a 23-run victory.
Expected Teams
Delhi Capitals will doubtless be hoping that their opening combination of David Warner and Prithvi Shaw fires once again. Mitchell Marsh is likely to make his first start of the season at number three, with Rishabh Pant at number four and Lalit Yadav at five. Sarfaraz Khan will bat at six, with spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel at seven and Shardul Thakur, the last recognised batter, at number eight. Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman and Khaleel Ahmed will complete the side.
RCB captain Faf du Plessis will open the batting alongside Anuj Rawat, with Virat Kohli in at number three. Glen Maxwell will bat at four. He has scored quickly, but also got out quickly, so far this year. Shahbaz Ahmed will bat at five, with Suyash Prabhudessai in at six and the in-form Dinesh Karthik at seven. Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will bat at eight, with Siddarth Kaul, Mohammad Siraj and the miserly Josh Hazlewood rounding out the side.
Prediction
This match could go either way. But the return of Marsh is a big boost for Delhi Capitals. There are few more effective number threes in this format. Indeed, it is a testament to his quality that there are probably few teams that would pick Kohli over him in that spot. Warner and Shaw also looks like a better opening combination than du Plessis and Rawat. So whilst Royal Challengers Bangalore could win this match, it is Delhi Capitals who probably will.
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