Indian Premier League - IPL / Ed Hawkins / 29 March 2010 /

The Rajasthan Royals are flush with wins at the moment so can Delhi Daredevils stop them just when they themselves look to be finding form? Ed Hawkins previews at mouthwatering clash at the Kotla

Team news
Delhi started IPL3 as favourites thanks to a batting line-up which included Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag, AB De Villiers and Tillakaratne Dilshan. But it is unlikely that they would have been so short had most punters known that the latter two would have been dropped for poor form at this stage of the tournament.

David Warner and Paul Collingwood have replaced them and the pair inspired Delhi to a 40-run victory over Kolkata last time. Ashish Nehra remains a fitness doubt.

Rajasthan have four wins from four following an incredible resurgence. Why they would change a winning side is a puzzle but they have Victoria batsman Aaron Finch available.

Venue and conditions
Expect runs at the Feroz Shah Kotla. This is one of the most reliable batting surfaces around. Mumbai posted the massive 218 here earlier this season and the other two first-innings scores have both produced run rates of more than 8.8 runs per over. Don't be afraid to take big prices on first-innings runs totals.

Match odds
Delhi are [1.74[ favourites for this match with Rajasthan apparently written off at [2.30]. It is a dangerous ploy to discount a Shane Warne side, as Rajasthan's turnaround has proved, but the feeling that the Royal flush can't continue is probably justified.

The home side took a brave decision to get rid of De Villiers and Dilshan and with two wins from two they are coming into form at exactly the right time. Rajasthan, who have been known to go around the park, could be in trouble if they have to field first.

Top batsman
All eyes will be on Warner following his brilliant 107 from just 69 balls against Kolkata. It truly is a terrifying prospect for new ball bowlers. If Warner doesn't get you, then surely Sehwag will. The latter will be jolly for this match although bear in mind he has slumped of late with only 23 runs in his last three innings.

However, the surface is definitely one which rewards players who hit through the line of the ball with confidence. For Rajasthan, look out for Yusuf Pathan and Adam Voges.

Featured market
There can often be an unfair disparity on the most sixes market. Too often the match favourites automatically get the same status afforded. But match-winning and six-hitting are two different things. Rajasthan have struck 38 sixes in IPL3 to Delhi's 31.

Trivia
In six meetings, these sides have won three each.

Best Bet: Ed Hawkins says: Back Delhi at [1.74]

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