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It's now time for match no. 33 in the Indian T20 League where Delhi are set to lock horns with Hyderabad in a much-awaited encounter. Both the sides had very contrasting campaigns in first half of the season but it's been over 4 month since then and both teams will have to start from scratch. Although it's difficult to pick the favourites, we try to determine who could have an edge in this contest by considering the following factors:
1. Head-to-head record
In the 19 matches played between the two sides, Hyderabad have had an upper hand with 11 wins to their name. However, Delhi have been the better of two sides in recent times having won the thrilling super-over earlier this season. Notably, both the teams also clashed in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2020 where Delhi emerged victorious.
2. UAE factor
The match will be played in Dubai which has proved to be quite challenging for the batsmen. Although both the sides have quality spinners in form of Rashid Khan and Ravichandran Ashwin, it is the fast-bowling department where Delhi have an edge. Considering how effective Adam Milne was at this venue with his pace bowling, the trio of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Avesh Khan will have conditions suitable to their style of bowling.
3. Form of players
The players of both the sides haven't played too much competitive cricket in recent times. But considering the form they showed in first half of the season, there is no doubt that Delhi are the stronger side on paper with both their openers - Shikhar Dhawan (380 runs) and Prithvi Shaw (308 runs) playing fearlessly at top of the order. On the other hand, Hyderabad's best batsman in first half - Jonny Bairstow - has pulled out of the tournament which makes their batting look slightly vulnerable.
Considering the above-mentioned factors, the team of the day is Delhi.