Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad will both be looking to take a step towards booking their spot in the IPL 2019 final when they face each other in the Eliminator on Wednesday.

It is a bit harsh on Delhi Capitals that they are playing the do-or-die game despite securing 18 points after nine wins and five losses from 14 matches. Despite winning three matches more than Sunrisers, severely weakened by the departure of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow for their World Cup national camps, DC find themselves in the same boat as SRH and a defeat will knock them out of the league.

For a while before that drubbing, DC battled for the top spot with three-time winners Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians before finishing third at the end of league engagements.

Delhi Capitals have never reached the IPL final, never made the top-two, and ventured into the top-four for the first time since 2012. Considering the results and consistency, it seemed DC’s search for that elusive winning combination has finally ended, which brought the smiles back on the faces of fans.

Here are the Top 5 player battles from IPL 2019 Eliminator, DC vs SRH -

Shikhar Dhawan vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Dhawan has been a top performer for Delhi Capitals this season with 486 runs from 14 matches and and at the top of the innings, he has looked quite comfortable against the new ball. However, facing a bowler like Bhuvneshwar can be a whole different challenge and if the pitch is even a bit helpful, he can spell doom for Dhawan with his persistent line and length. Bhuvneshwar struggled at the start of the tournament but he has taken 11 wickets in the group stages and will be raring to go in the Eliminator.

Rishabh Pant vs Rashid Khan

Pant came under a lot of criticism in the group stages despite playing a number of brilliant knocks. The youngster has had a number of starts but most critics believe that he needs to preserve his wicket and finish the matches for his side. However, he will be up against the top T20 bowler in the world - Rashid Khan. Rashid has already taken 15 wickets till now and his economy rate has been quite impeccable.

Kane Williamson vs Trent Boult

Williamson was ruled out for the start of the season and after making his comeback, his performances were far from impressive. However, the New Zealand international has regained his form at the right time with a fifty against Royal Challengers Bangalore and he will play a major role for SRH. On the other hand, Trent Boult found a place in the playing XI after the departure of in-form Kagiso Rabada and it will be perfect opportunity for him to prove his worth if he takes the prized wicket of Kane Williamson.

Manish Pandey vs Amit Mishra

With three fifties in his last five matches, Pandey has regained form in the business end of the tournament and it is good news for Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, he will find it tough to get going against a seasoned campaigner like Amit Mishra. With more than 150 wickets, he is the second most successful bowler ever in IPL and he will be trying to put pressure on the untested SRH middle order.

Shreyas Iyer vs Khaleel Ahmed

Shreyas Iyer has led Delhi Capitals by example till and with he is currently the second highest scorer for his side after Shikhar Dhawan. He has been a solid performer at No. 3 for his side and in the Eliminator against SRH, he will once again be a key member of the DC batting attack. As a result, it will be important for Khaleel Ahmed to strike early in his spell. The youngster has been brilliant till now with 17 wickets from 8 matches and he can be a huge asset for Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday.

(With agency inputs)

First Published: May 08, 2019 11:49 IST