Cricket: IPL Final
Dubai International Stadium – 10th November 2020
Betxchange Odds:
Match Winner:
The final of the 13th IPL gets underway at the Dubai International Stadium between the Mumbai Indians and the Delhi Capitals. With both sides finishing 1st and 2nd respectively in the regular IPL standings, it promises to be a fitting finale to a very different IPL season. Played out to the background of the global COVID 19 pandemic, there will be no fans in attendance to watch the final unfold but if the rest of the season is anything to go by it should be a spectacle filled with drama once more.
Team Previews
Mumbai Indians
Defending champions Mumbai Indians are looking to become only the second side in IPL history to defend their title and they are justified favourites to do so. Under the stewardship of Mahela Jayawardene and with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Bond within the coaching setup, it is perhaps no surprise to see the Mumbai Indians as one of the driving forces again within the competition.
In terms of playing personnel, the Indians possess one of the strongest squads in T20 cricket history with the likes of Quinton de Kock, Keiron Pollard, Rohit Sharma, and Trent Boult within their ranks.
They breezed through their qualifying match for the final – thrashing the Delhi Capitals by 57 runs and they will be looking for a repeat performance here.
Delhi Capitals
Following an excellent season under the watchful eye of Australian legend Ricky Ponting, the Delhi Capitals are looking to win their first ever IPL title. They finished the regular season in 2nd place before fighting their way through the eliminators – losing to the Mumbai Indians but beating Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Capitals have reached their first ever IPL Final thanks in no part to their all-round team cohesion and ability to put runs on the board. Shikhar Dhawan has enjoyed an excellent season at the top of the order whilst Shimron Hetmyer has provided excellent assistance in the run scoring department. Marcus Stoinis continues to perform with both bat and ball whilst in Kagiso Rabada they have one of the very best bowlers in world cricket in their ranks.
IPL Final Best Bets
Rohit Sharma to be Man of the Match @ 7.00
Few batsmen in world cricket are as prolific as Rohit Sharma and the Indian opener looks to be in the form of his life. Mumbai Indians are heavily reliant on his runs and he could prove to be the match winner for them here as they seek a 5th IPL crown.
Kagiso Rabada to be Delhi Capitals’ Top Bowler @ 1.75
South African paceman Kagiso Rabada has been in fine form throughout the tournament for the Delhi Capitals and he has a habit of turning it on when the stakes are high, epitomised by his 4 wickets in the semi-final eliminator.
Trent Boult to be Mumbai Indians’ Top Bowler @ 2.50
When it comes to wicket taking, New Zealander Trent Boult is one of the very best in the business – particularly in limited overs cricket. He struck early against the capitals last time out and he will be eager to make an impact once more here.
Match Prediction
Match Winner – Mumbai Indians – 0.70
As a tournament decider, this should be a thrilling contest between two excellent sides. Mumbai Indians are prolific in IPL cricket and are chasing their 5th title whilst this is unchartered territory for the Delhi Capitals. Kagiso Rabada, Shikar Dhawan and Marcus Stoinis are all players very capable of winning the game for the Delhi Capitals, but the Mumbai Indians are well versed at this level and they should come through this one to lift the crown once more.
