Event of the Day: Delhi Capitals versus Sunrisers Hyderabad
Our event of the day is the intriguing clash in the Indian Premier League between the Delhi Capitals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad at Feroz Shah Kolta. Both sides have made a respectable start to this new campaign, with the Capitals sitting two spots behind the Sunrisers who currently reside in third place. However, after winning two games on the spin, Hyderabad will be the slim favourites going into this one as they look to keep touch with the league’s early pace-setters. Delhi are already having to play catch up with the teams above them after losing two and winning two of their first four games. Their average start was compounded last time out as they fell to a devastating defeat at the hands of Kings XI Punjab when at one stage it seemed harder to lose than to win. With 21 balls left in the match, Delhi needed a mere 23 runs to topple the second-placed side, but failed to capitalise on the potentially profitable position, and lost their final seven wickets after notching just eight runs in a spectacular capitulation, as Sam Curran recorded an astounding bowling analysis of 4 for 11. There was an iota of encouragement for the Capitals on what was an otherwise forgettable evening in Mohali, as all-rounder Chris Morris snatched three wickets from four overs of bowling but his batting undid some of his hard work when he received his marching orders after facing just one ball at the crease. Hyderabad’s batsmen have been lethal at the crease so far this season, with the opening pair producing two century and one double century partnerships in their opening three league outings.
Last time out, Johnny Bairstow and David Warner had an innings to remember as the pair scored a collective 214 runs from just 111 balls to single-handedly demolish the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Last year, the left-handed Warner was forbidden from participating in the IPL season following the ball tampering incident in South Africa. Nonetheless, Sunrisers still reached the IPL final, losing out on the day to the Chennai Super Kings. However, upon returning to the competition this year, Warner has struck up a deadly partnership with Englishman Johnny Bairstow, who recorded his first ever IPL century last time out, and the pair will take some stopping as the Sunrisers target their second title in four years. Today should see an exciting game between two teams desperate for victory.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to Day 1 of the Randox Health Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. With seven races to watch out for, including four grade one contests, the Thursday at Aintree is always one of the most popular events in the jump racing calendar and over 35,000 spectators are expected to fill the prestigious terraces on opening day. Elsewhere, there is an unmissable meeting in the NBA between two of this year’s title contenders as the Philadelphia 76ers face the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. Meanwhile, the AFL season continues with a thrilling matchup today as league leaders Geelong Cats will do battle with the Adelaide Crows at the Adelaide Oval. Week 10 of the Unibet Premier League will take place at the SSE Arena in Dublin where eight of the world’s best darts players will battle it out for the top spot ahead of the playoffs next month. Finally, two of the Super League’s slow starters will look to kick-start their seasons with a win tonight as Hull KR welcome Leeds Rhinos to Craven Park.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by IPL; Delhi Capitals