DCL Match Preview: Stoners vs Delhi Blasters

There are no easy matches anymore, and this is a battle of equals. Two consistent and settled teams with depth in both batting and bowling face off against each other. Everything is at stake, and neither team is prepared to go home soon. What a prospect!

STONERS

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Beat Tornadoes by 24 runs

Match 2: Beat Times Internet by 49 runs

Match 3: Beat Yes Bank by 21 runs

Match 4: Beat 22 Yards by 86 runs

OVERVIEW

Stoners have been on a roll. They are a happy and settled side with strong leadership and talented players. Everyone knows their role and they back each other. That’s all it takes really. In fact, Stoners set an excellent example for several other teams in this tournament.

Stoners have batted first 4 times. They have scored big in every game (the lowest is 175 / 2 against Yes Bank in tough batting conditions), and won comfortably each time. In 3 of the 4 matches, they have started calmly during the Power Play overs, but each time they have hit big during the last 6 overs – Real Big.  57, 82, 70, and 95 (in order) is what they have posted in the last 6 in each of their matches. No team can match these death over stats. Captain Mustafa has slammed a century (against Yes Bank), and Bhaskar, Kartik, Sanit and Imran have all made substantial contributions.

While the batsmen have delivered, the bowlers have  slammed the door shut on the opposition each time. The bowling unit is both disciplined and versatile. Seamers Varun and Rakesh (right and left arm) have been excellent at the start, and the spinners (Imran, Rachit, Mustafa) have backed them really well. In the last 3 games almost everyone conceded less than 7 an over.

The only potential danger (if one had to fish something out) is that they have been untested under pressure. They have not yet come up against a side that can unleash the same medicine, but now they will. They haven’t had to chase either. Losing the toss could break the comfort streak.  

Bottom-line: If they can continue to do what they have done so far, they will be hard for anyone to beat.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the Stoners Performance Indicator, with a complete breakdown of their results, top performers in each match, and batting and bowling statistics.

DELHI BLASTERS

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Beat Mac’s CC by 5 wickets

Match 2: Beat 22 Yards by 3 wickets

Match 3: Lost to Amigos by 53 runs

Match 4: Beat Destructors by 8 wickets

OVERVIEW

Delhi Blasters have been in excellent batting form too (the match against Amigos the only exception) and they have the heavy arsenal to fight fire with fire. Ashish and Saurabh have been among the runs, and backed by Varun, Shaurya and Ashwat, they have the capability to score 10 an over. Fascinatingly, their death over performance matches that of Stoners. In their wins, they have scored 80, 85 and 69 in the last 6 overs.

The bowling hasn’t quite produced the same standard of performance as that of Stoners, but they have a frontline of consistent medium pace bowling, backed by the genuine left-arm spin of Devrath. Interestingly, while Stoners has batted first all 4 times, Delhi Blasters has chased in all their matches. In fact, they have the highest successful chase of the tournament (208 against 22 Yards). This goes to show that their batsmen are confident, and no total is exactly a safe total. 

Bottom-line: Stoners has the batting to take on the Delhi Blasters bowling attack and hit big. How well the bowlers hold their nerve and stick to their discipline against the onslaught will be a key factor. The only way to halt the Stoners charge is to take wickets!

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the Delhi Blasters PerformanceIndicator, with a complete breakdown of their results, top performers in each match, and batting and bowling statistics.

This clash of equals has the makings of a contest that will go all 12 rounds. Let’s see!

DCL Match Preview: SDS Tours vs Stallions

Both teams were favored to reach the CUP quarter-finals. Both lost to inspired performances. Now in the PLATE division, both are in it to win it. The intensity is palpable. We expect an explosive clash!

SDS TOURS

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Beat Sledgehammer Asia by 96 runs

Match 2: Lost to Destructors by 23 runs

Match 3: Beat KEI Cables by 39 runs

Match 4: Lost to Mac’s CC by 106 runs

OVERVIEW

SDS Tours play tough cricket. They bat deep, and the line-up is sprinkled with big hitters. On most days, at least two batsmen fire and they are able to top the 180 mark. The bowling is not that reliable, though. They have a good balance of spin and seam, but except for the first match (they bowled Sledgehammer Asia out for 84), they haven’t fired as a unit. They have conceded nearly 10 runs an over their last 3 matches. Make no mistake, though, the bowling is as capable as any in this tournament. It is a matter of discipline, and tomorrow their motivation to perform should be really high.

One of their biggest strengths is the mystery element. SDS Tours does not have any set patterns of play. The bowlers and batsmen are all equally adaptable, and plans change quickly depending on the match situation. Consequently, it is very hard to plot a strategy against them. The downside is that too many players have been in and out of the team for one reason or another. With all the chopping and changing, they may struggle for rhythm.

Bottom-line: If SDS Tours fire as a unit, they are as good as any team in Delhi cricket. But, they have their off days and those are very hard to predict.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the SDS Tours Performance Indicator, with a complete breakdown of their results, top performers in each match, and batting and bowling statistics.

STALLIONS

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Lost to Ronnie Finance by 5 wickets

Match 2: Beat Smashers by 7 wickets

Match 3: Beat Supertron by 17 runs

Match 4: Lost to KEI Cables by 55 runs

OVERVIEW

As a team, Stallions is as hard to read as their opponent, and their form is just as liable to fluctuate. They have won twice (convincingly) and lost twice (equally convincingly), and it is very hard to pull out a pattern. On evidence of this tournament, the bowling is the stronger department. In seamer Subhiksh, left-arm spinner Avinash, Mayank, and leg-spinner Daman (the best bowler in our previous tournament), they have 4 bowlers with match-winning capability. In spite of the quality, the bowlers were less than impressive in their last outing against KEI Cables.

The batting will probably count on openers Sameer (in-form batsman) and Soumya to give them a good start. The only time they looked really good with the bat was against Smashers, and that time both openers put on a 100-run stand.

Bottom-line: It is an attacking bowling unit (Stallions) pitted against batsmen who love the big hits (SDS Tours). This will be the battle of the day! However, the Stallions batsmen will need to show up to make a match of it.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the Stallions Performance Indicator, with a complete breakdown of their results, top performers in each match, and batting and bowling statistics.

There is no way to predict this one, except to say that it will be an explosive match!

DCL Match Preview: Sledgehammer Asia vs Smashers

Smashers would be looking to reverse a losing streak, just like 22 Yards did last weekend. They come in underdogs against a strong, battle-hardened Sledgehammer Asia side that has played two successive dramatic, see-saw matches. Being underdogs, however, is not always a bad thing – Smashers get another chance to showcase the considerable talent they carry in their side and flip their campaign. We sense drama!

SMASHERS

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Lost to Supertron by 78 runs

Match 2: Lost to Stallions by 7 wickets

Match 3: Lost to Ronnie Finance by 61 runs

Match 4: Lost to Amigos by 7 wickets

OVERVIEW

The fact is that Smashers would struggle to draw positives from their campaign so far, since they haven’t fired either as a batting or bowling unit. But cricket is a game where trends can be snapped and confidence recovered very quickly. If they look within, Smashers will find that their stronger department is their batting. In Roopak, Harnek, Dhruv, Abhish and Manav, they have the makings of a solid batting lineup.

The bowlers have made the mistake of either bowling too full or too short. They would want to land more balls on a good length and make the batsmen work for their runs. Simply, if Smashers play to potential, they have the resources to give their opposition a tough time and complete the win.

Bottom-line: The batsmen need to turn up. Harnek, one of the best batsmen of our previous tournament, is due for a big score

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the Smashers Performance Indicator, with a complete breakdown of their results, top performers in each match, and batting and bowling statistics.

SLEDGEHAMMER ASIA

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Lost to SDS Tours by 96 runs

Match 2: Beat KEI Cables by 35 runs

Match 3: Beat Destructors by 1 run

Match 4: Lost to Tornadoes by 24 runs

OVERVIEW

Sledgehammer Asia are a disciplined bowling unit. For the best part of 3 matches, they have managed to throttle opposition batsmen. The problem is that the batting is over-dependent on the top order, particularly Imran and Amit. Both play the gaps very well, run hard, and rely on timing more than power. Both have been consistent, with left-handed Imran in particularly good form. Partho has also shown himself to be more than capable with the bat. The lower order is the problem. Against Tornadoes, once the top 4 were dismissed, the batting lost its fizz completely and it almost felt like Sledgehammer Asia abandoned the chase too soon. The Smashers bowlers would want to start hard and potentially exploit this opportunity.

All said and done, few teams play with the kind of intensity that Sledgehammer Asia have displayed in this tournament. They have defended totals of 165 and 155 (against KEI Cables and Destructors respectively), and in each of their last 3 games only 1 bowler conceded more than 9 an over. That is an excellent statistic, and a fair reflection of their bowling strength.

Bottom-line: Going by form, the Sledgehammer Asia bowlers have the might to contain the Smashers batting line-up for not much, but will the game play by script?

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the Sledgehammer Asia Performance Indicator, with a complete breakdown of their results, top performers in each match, and batting and bowling statistics.

Sledgehammer Asia have won both games batting first, and they would look to do the same, if they win the toss. Smashers should also look to bat and force their opponents to prove themselves in the chase.

Both sets of bowlers will go into tomorrow’s contest knowing they can exploit their opposition’s batting. If the team batting first can avoid an early morning collapse and set a 160+ total, they will probably walk away with the match.   

DCL Match Preview: Yes Bank vs Times Internet

This PLATE Quarter-final is a rematch of a Pool A battle earlier in the tournament, and gives Yes Bank the chance to  even their score. It is no easy job, though, against a strong Times Internet side that would be determined to bounce back from their sensational batting collapse in the pre-quarterfinal. At any rate, both teams should firmly believe in their chances entering this contest.

TIMES INTERNET

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Lost to Stoners by 49 runs

Match 2: Beat Tornadoes by 4 wickets

Match 3: Beat Yes Bank by 8 wickets

Match 4: Lost to Supertron by 63 runs

OVERVIEW

After loosing their opening match, Times Internet looked like a super team for 2 and a half matches. In a tournament dominated by teams batting first, they chased twice successfully. Furthermore, after restricting Supertron to 133 during their pre-quarterfinal, they looked all set to register their 3^rd successive win on the chase. Then the batting collapse happened. In spite of that, however, they have reason to take confidence from their performances.

Times Internet have shown that in Shoaib, Ravi and the two Sachins, they have the  bowling to restrict sides to manageable totals, followed by ample batting might to hunt down their targets. Against Tornadoes, Gaurav and Chetan in the late middle-order took them over the line, while it was the opening stand of 100 against Yes Bank that set up a comfortable 8-wicket win.

It is interesting to note that in each of their last 3 matches, only 1 out of 6 bowlers ended up conceding over 9 runs an over. This shows that Times Internet has a well balanced and confident bowling unit, and they are not over-reliant on 1 or 2 individuals.

Bottom-line: The bowlers usually fire. The batsmen need to back them up.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the Times Internet Performance Indicator, with a complete breakdown of their results, top performers in each match, and batting and bowling statistics.

YES BANK

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Lost to Times Internet by 8 wickets

Match 2: Lost to Stoners by 21 runs

Match 3: Lost to Tornadoes by 7 wickets

Match 4: Lost to Ronnie Finance by 6 wickets

OVERVIEW

Over the last one year, we have seen that Yes Bank is a more capable side than the results in this tournament suggest. They would take heart from 22 Yards, who after losing their first 4 matches, beat Destructors last week to qualify for the PLATE semi-final. Yes Bank has the resources to emulate that performance.

Yes Bank has a solid seam attack that hasn’t yet gelled together in this tournament, but with the batting letting them down consistently, the bowlers have not really had a fair chance. Pavas, Nitin, Manik, Ishpreet and Ajay are all capable of getting 50+ scores, but at least a couple of them need to fire together to put pressure on opposition bowlers and give the team a chance. 

Bottom-line: The key question is – will the Yes Bank batsmen give a good account of themselves?

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the Yes Bank Performance Indicator, with a complete breakdown of their results, top performers in each match, and batting and bowling statistics.

Both sets of bowlers will go into tomorrow’s contest knowing they can exploit their opposition’s batting. If the team batting first can avoid an early morning collapse and set a 160+ total, they will probably walk away with the match.   

DCL Plate Quarterfinal Preview: Destructors vs 22 Yards

22 Yards have looked good in parts, but haven’t yet managed to put all the pieces together to bring home a match. Destructors, on their part, have looked impressive for most of the tournament, but have struggled to deliver the knockout punch. Their pre-quarterfinal match was their weakest performance yet. Is that a concern? From an analysis point of view, it is very hard to predict a script for this match. Both teams have the resources to win, and both have struggled to achieve the results. We have the ingredients for a real battle!

22 Yards

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Lost to Mac’s CC by 15 runs

Match 2: Lost to Amigos by 67 runs

Match 3: Lost to Delhi Blasters by 3 wickets

Match 4: Lost to Stoners by 86 runs

OVERVIEW

In scoring 205 runs against a strong Delhi Blasters side, 22 Yards have shown us that they have heavy artillery in their line-up (note: Sachin Sg scored 136 not out in that match, the only match he played). The trouble for them is the bowling. They have conceded 158, 195, 208 and 208 in their 4 matches. A lack of discipline and consistency in line and length has cost them heavily. Typically, 5 to 6 bowlers have been conceding more that 9 runs an over per match. The bottom line – too many boundary balls. Individual bowlers need to take responsibility. They should take a cue from Anadi, their best and most economical bowler so far.

Owing to the hot and dry conditions, the Kadarpur wicket is playing slow. The ball is turning and it is not easy to slam boundaries off a length. However, can the 22 Yards bowlers find a good length?

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the complete 22 Yards Performance Indicator – our unique statistical breakdown of a team’s batting and bowling performances.

Destructors

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Beat SDS Tours by 23 runs

Match 2: Lost to Sledgehammer Asia by 1 run

Match 3: Lost to KEI Cables by 25 runs

Match 4: Lost to Delhi Blasters by 8 wickets

OVERVIEW

Destructors have had better bowling form in this tournament than their opponents, but they haven’t been great either. They conceded 234 against KEI Cables in their last group game, then 130 in 13 overs against Delhi Blasters. They are dependent on seamer Akshat and leg-spinner Devyanshu performing with the ball. If either of them has a bad game, it takes a toll. However, their batsmen have come to the party. Opener Shiv has been inn excellent form, and he has got support from Raghav, Ashish, and Akshat. The side scored 177, 155, and 209 during their league games. Typically, they look to establish momentum early and score at a consistent rate throughout their 20 overs. If the 22 Yards bowlers are not disciplined, the batsmen will surely make them pay.   

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the complete Destructors Performance Indicator – our unique statistical breakdown of a team’s batting and bowling performances.

Judging by form, Destructors have the edge. However, on the day it will probably come down to which bowling attack is more disciplined. The wicket magnifies this factor. Since it is playing slow, it is easy to punish short deliveries but very difficult to dispatch fuller deliveries on an off-stump line (just short of a drive). The message to both teams, In a nutshell: bowl well to win.

DCL Match Preview: KEI Cables vs Mac’s CC

Both teams produced their best performance of the tournament during the pre-quarterfinals, upsetting supposedly stronger opponents. KEI Cables completed a solid 55 run win against Stallions, while Mac’s CC steamrolled SDS Tours by 106 runs. Their respective wins have set up a fascinating battle, and both teams will back themselves to reach the CUP semi-finals.

MAC’s CC 

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Beat 22 Yards by 15 runs

Match 2: Lost to Delhi Blasters by 5 wickets

Match 3: Lost to Amigos by 37 runs

Match 4: Beat SDS Tours by 106 runs

OVERVIEW

A look at Mac’s CC Performance Indicator clearly reveals that their batting strength is at the top of the order. They have posted opening partnerships of 71, 65, 21, and 171 (tournament record against SDS Tours). Shyam Mandal, their opener, is currently the highest run getter of the tournament with 209 runs. The problem, however, is a weak middle and lower middle order. Mac’s CC start strong, but they haven’t finished strong in any of their matches. They don’t seem to have big hitters. If their top 3 fall cheaply, they are likely to struggle. Their best last 6-over performance came in their first match, against 22 Yards, when they posted 51.

They are a young side and their fielding is exuberant and energetic, and they have solid bowlers in off-spinner Sonu (9 wickets), seamers Rohit and Sachin, and leg-spinner Sanjay. On the whole, It’s a well balanced bowling unit. Win or lose, they will play with spark and energy!

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the Mac’s CC Performance Indicator.

KEI CABLES 

FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Lost to Sledgehammer Asia by 35 runs

Match 2: Lost to SDS Tours by 39 runs

Match 3: Beat Destructors by 25 runs

Match 4: Beat Stallions by 55 runs

OVERVIEW

KEI Cables is a strong batting side. After losing their first 2 matches, their big hitters have turned it around, winning the last 2 matches. They posted 234 against Destructors and 176 against Stallions. Both were winning totals. Importantly, they have won both their matches batting first and lost both their matches chasing.

A look at their Performance Indicator reveals that KEI Cables score big in the PowerPlay overs. They have posted 54, 56, 75, and 75 in the PowerPlays. Even if they lose wickets, they will go for the opposition bowlers early on. They have crossed 90 in their first 10 overs in each of their matches. It is worth noting that Abhishek produced one of the most stunning batting performances of the tournament against Destructors, scoring 100 not out after walking out to bat at number 8! No matter what the stage or situation of the match, they are a fighting team.

 The KEI bowlers have not been consistent. Too many bowlers have conceded over 9 runs an over. The important thing, however, is that in their last match they produced their best bowling performance of the tournament. Will they be able to continue that momentum?

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for the KEI Cables performance Indicator.

The winning team earns a battle against Amigos in the CUP Semi-final. If Mac’s CC are to get there, their middle order will need to make a contribution and their bowlers will need to focus on bottling down the KEI big hitters. KEI will probably look to bat first, score big, and use the pressure of a big chase to break the Mac’s CC top-order.

Can’t wait for morning!  

DCL Match Preview: AMIGOS vs TORNADOES

This match couldn’t have had a better script: one of the biggest-hitting heavyweights of our tournament take on an in-form, inspired team that engineered a remarkable turnaround during their pre-quarterfinal match. After that incredible comeback win, surely Team Tornadoes would be confident to take on anyone, even the undefeated top seeds!

AMIGOS FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Beat 22 Yards by 67 runs

Match 2: Beat Mac’s CC by 37 runs

Match 3: Beat Delhi Blasters by 53 runs

Match 4: Beat Smashers by 7 wickets

OVERVIEW

Amigos has a number of explosive hitters who like to swing big. They have consistently scored above par totals, and so far none of their opponents have managed to contain them successfully. Prolific all-rounder Ritesh Dahiya is their in-form batsman, with a century to his name against 22 Yards.

Their bowling is an equally formidable weapon, and the backbone is an experienced and reliable seam attack. A quick look at their Performance Indicator reveals that they haven’t let any team get away in their last 6 overs. No batsman as yet has crossed the 40-run mark against them. Rahul Rana (5-wicket haul) and Ritesh himself have been among the wickets. Left-arm spinner Rahul has also been one of the bowlers of the tournament.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here for a complete breakdown of Team Amigos performances.

TORNADOES FORM GUIDE

Match 1: Lost to Stoners by 24 runs

Match 2: Lost to Times Internet by 4 wickets

Match 3: Beat Yes Bank by 7 wickets

Match 4: Beat Sledgehammer Asia by 24 runs

OVERVIEW

Tornadoes just keep getting better with every match. A close look at their Performance Indicator reveals a curios pattern. They were 57 / 3 against Stoners after 10 overs. They recovered to post 164. They were 85 / 6 after 10 against Times Internet, and recovered to 154 / 7. Against Sledgehammer Asia, from 61 / 5, they came back to slam 104 in their last 10. Top order weakness is compensated by the tournament’s best lower order hitting. Different players have chipped in on different days. Captain Ashit, however, has performed consistently with the bat.

Tornadoes is a team of all-rounders, and like Amigos they have a solid bowling attack. They offer a balanced attack of seam and spin, and leg-spinner Ashish is a clear threat. Their bowlers have been in great form in the last two matches.

PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

Click here  for a complete breakdown of Tornadoes’ performance.

We will find out tomorrow whether Amigos is able to halt the charge of Tornadoes’ awesome late-order hitting, or if Tornadoes’ bowlers are able to throttle their opposition’s ability to slam sixes. Will Tornadoes’ top order finally join the part? Will Ritesh stamp his authority as one of the leading all-rounders of the tournament?

Let’s wait and watch!