Daredevils to face Supergiant

The two points available for the taking are more valuable to Rising Pune Supergiant rather than hosts Delhi Daredevils in today’s match to be held at the Feroz Shah Kotla in Delhi. Before their 4-day break, out of which they’re emerging, RPS had established their longest winning streak, winning four matches on the bounce. Steve Smith’s team will be keen to extend that to five and thereby confirm their progress to the playoffs. RPS have turned their season around brilliantly; they had won only one of their first four matches, but then clinched wins in six of their next seven matches to become playoff contenders. RPS have one more opportunity to seal that playoff berth after this, but they’d rather do it in this game than go into the final league match with the pressure of a knockout clash. RPS will have to overcome one huge handicap; they will have to fill in the void created by the absence of Imran Tahir, the team’s leading wicket-taker, who has parted ways to join up with his national team. The Delhi Daredevils are not in contention for a playoff spot, but the young team will want to finish the season on a high. DD have had a roller-coaster season; there have been some mind-blowing performances (like the chases against the Gujarat Lions) as well as some disappointing lows (being bowled out for 66 and 67). Which DD side will show up on Friday?