Cricket

Chennai Super Kings have dominated proceedings against Delhi Capitals in their head-to-head matches with 14 of the 19 going in their favour.

This should be quite a competitive match although it will require a significant improvement from Ireland especially based on how Bangladesh performed in their first match. Ireland struggled to take wickets nor restrict the run rate of the West Indies’ batsmen so that will have to improve here, and they may seek to bat first to try get a total on the board.

England will field a team much closer to their strongest line-up than they did in the T20 match on Sunday although they remain without some key players. Pakistan will be closer to their strongest team for this match but they come into this series with little form in the 50-over format.

Sunrisers have dominated recent meetings against Delhi Capitals but those came against a different version of the Capitals with the 2019 team far superior to previous editions.

Essex looked impressive in their opening couple of matches but it has all gone downhill since then with five defeats in their last six games.

The top two teams come into this qualifier aiming to win and seal their spot in the IPL 2019 final. Mumbai Indians have beaten Chennai Super Kings twice already this season including one win in Chennai.

Sussex have it all to play for here and their first priority will be to win the game and then they may consider net run rate depending on how the matches in the South Group are going.

Both of these teams are playing good cricket right now although it is Middlesex who have it all to play for as a win will seal second place and a play-off spot.

West Indies lost the ODI series against Bangladesh last time they met in December last year but the series against England and then the win over Ireland on Sunday has given them a major boost in confidence.

While the initiative has to be with Kolkata Knight Riders here as they need a win to make the top four, Mumbai Indians will be motivated to finish in the top two. KKR got the better of the two teams in a shootout last weekend in Kolkata and they are under pressure to win again.

Both teams should take this match seriously and play hard for the win, but there appears a resignation among Kings XI and that does not bode well. Chennai Super Kings have made some rotations in recent matches but they will be refocused here.

Ireland could easily have beaten England on Friday had some moments gone their way and they will be keen to upset West Indies here. The tourists batting looks fragile without so many key men, but the bowling attack is formidable....

The top two teams in the South Group meet at Taunton for a match which is arguably more important for the home side given they need the win to stay in the top three. They have faded in their last couple of matches losing twice...

It has been a disappointing campaign for both of these teams as both have nothing but pride to play for. Kent will likely have the greater motivation in front of their home fans and they come off their first win which should give them a boost in confidence.