Match Preview

Four days off is normally a prospect the working man welcomes with glee, but in cricket, especially amid the manic assembly line of matches in the IPL, it threatens the momentum of a team. Delhi Daredevils won their last match, yet a prolonged break has left them in seventh place. The opportunity to climb the rungs arrives in the form of three matches in five days - all at home - the first of which is against Rajasthan Royals.

Daredevils have a history of living and dying by their streaks. In 2009, they knocked off eight of their first 10 opponents to canter into the semi-finals. They enjoyed similar fortunes in 2012, when a string of four victories set up a top-of-the-table finish. Last season, however, was relentlessly bitter as they inaugurated and signed off their campaign with six-match losing streaks.

Pietersen has not yet had a massive innings, but a return to familiar haunts - he strikes at 152.76 and has an IPL century at Feroz Shah Kotla - should provide encouragement. A vestige of rustiness has hampered him, notably early in his innings, but should he break the cobwebs, he poses a threat along with an in-form JP Duminy.

What our expert think about the game? Read on...

PunterPolls Prediction

Rajasthan does have an edge in this game as they are leading the table with 3 wins out of 5. Delhi is not much behind that they won 2 out of 5 they played. Rajasthan is much balanced though, this is Delhi's home ground as well and to be very frank their batting is not that bad, problem is with their bowling.

Match ODDs are even as well (slightly in favor of RR 1.96), and Punters support is on the other side (52% Delhi ). In between, Rajasthsan wins the toss and elected to bowl first. This pitch turns slow as the game progresses though the ground is small and record says high scoring game. Our experts have decided to with Delhi Daredevils in this game.

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