IPL 2019 Playoffs: Can New Entrants DC Beat Veterans CSK in Qualifier 2?

The Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings have one last chance to qualify for the finals of the IPL 2019 as they meet in the qualifier 2 of the IPL 2019 playoffs. Mumbai Indians have already reached the finals, defeating CSK in the qualifier 1 of IPL 2019 playoffs.

Journey to IPL 2019 playoffs

CSK was the first team to book a berth in the IPL playoffs 2019. The franchise secured the second position on the points table after the completion of the league stage. Chennai won 7 matches in their first 8 games. This helped CSK to stay in the top 4 throughout the season. They lost the Qualifier 1 against MI but has another chance to reach the finals for two consecutive times.

While Delhi Capitals had their breakthrough season in the IPL 2019. The side was really impressive throughout the event. They finished third in the season due to lower net run rate than CSK and MI. They had to beat SRH in the Eliminator of IPL 2019 playoffs to reach the Qualifier 2. Both the teams had equal points on the points table with 18 points each. Delhi Capitals was the second team to fix a spot in the IPL 2019 playoffs following CSK.

Strong Points

CSK has been the most consistent team in the history of IPL. They have the experience of playing at the big stages of the tournament. CSK’s batting order is filled with match winners who can win matches single-handedly. MS Dhoni‘s incredible form gives them the upper hand at any stage of the game. He can win the match for CSK with his batting skills and captaincy. Also, CSK is the only team in IPL 2019 who has defeated DC twice.

While Delhi Capitals have the momentum of winning two consecutive pressurised games. DC has another advantage over CSK. The side has been benefitted with different players winning matches in different games, unlike CSK. Another advantage for DC would be, they have already played one match at Vishakhapatnam. They’ll not be new to this pitch as they defeated SRH in the Eliminator of the IPL 2019 playoffs.

Major Concerns

CSK started their IPL 2019 campaign with a blast.  But the side has not been in a great form lately. After winning 7 off their first 8 games, they won only two in their last 7 matches. They are also coming from a defeat against MI in the IPL 2019 playoffs qualifier 1.

The major concern for CSK would be the underperformance of their batsman throughout the season. None of their batsmen is present in the top-18 run-getters in the IPL 2019, except Dhoni. They have a very low average per wicket of 28.23 runs. The think-tank would have to find a solution for their batsmen in order to win this match.

The Delhi Capitals, on the other hand, have very fewer experienced players in their squad. They have very less experience to play the playoffs in an IPL. Also, with the departure of Kagiso Rabada, the bowling department has become weak and has less experienced bowlers for the death overs.

Head-to-Head

The two sides have played each other 20 times before in the course of the Indian Premier League since 2008. CSK are the heavy favourites, looking at the head-to-head record.CSK have won 14 matches, compared to only 6 matches won by DC against CSK. They have met each other only once in the playoffs with CSK winning comfortably in the 2012 season. But this is a completely new side for the Delhi Capitals and have the potential to beat CSK and equal their playoffs record on IPL 2019 playoffs.

It will be interesting to see which team would be boarding a flight to Hyderabad on Saturday to face the Mumbai Indians in the finals. While CSK has the experience and the temperament, DC has the form and aggression with young talent. Only time will tell who will win: experience or ebullient.