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As the Indian T20 League progresses further, it will be time for Kolkata and Delhi to go up against each other in Sharjah on Tuesday. While Delhi have more or less confirmed their place in the Playoff with the eight wins, Kolkata still have work to do to guarantee themselves a place in the final four. Kolkata only have five wins in ten matches but are still in the top half of the competition after two out of three wins in UAE. Ahead of the match, here is an attempt to determine who will have their noses ahead heading into this game based on the following factors:
1. Head-to-head record
The overall record in the Indian T20 League suggests that the two teams have played 26 matches against each other. While Kolkata have won 14 of these games, Delhi have been on the winning side in 12 of these. So traditionally, it is the Men in Purple who have a better record in this rivalry.
2. UAE factor
However, when it comes to matches in the UAE, it is in fact, Delhi who have more wins to their name. In 3 matches between the two teams, Delhi have won two while Kolkata have managed just a solitary win. The stat becomes important because the match is being played in similar conditions.
3. Form of players
For both the teams, players have been in form. While Delhi have been remarkably successful stitching wins against all the oppositions they have faced so far in UAE, Kolkata too had two comfortable wins and a thrilling game against Chennai which could have gone either ways but went against them eventually. While Delhi seemingly have all bases covered and have scored and won matches even when their top order failed, Kolkata's middle order got a chance to play only in their latest match where there was a bit of struggle until Dinesh Karthik's cameo at the end. The form of Eoin Morgan with the bat could be a big reason to worry and Andre Russell hasn't fired either.
Even in their most recent clash earlier this season, it was Delhi who managed to beat Kolkata comfortably by 7 wickets.
Considering the abovementioned factors, the team of the day is Delhi.