Pune Warriors and Delhi Daredevils are at opposite ends of the IPL 2011 table. Pune are the only side yet to lose a game, while Delhi are the only ones yet to register a win. Virender Sehwag's men will be desperate for their first points on Sunday, but it won't be easy against what is arguably the most complete Twenty20 outfit in the tournament.
Jesse Ryder and Graeme Smith form a free-spirited opening combination for Pune, while Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa are probably the most dangerous Indian middle-order batsmen in this format. But Pune's real strength lies in the lesser-knows who complete the side. Mithun Manhas and Mohnish Mishra are not big names, but have played nerveless hands under pressure. Alfonso Thomas, Wayne Parnell and Shrikant Wagh have been dangerous with the new ball, stunning their opponents with early wickets. Can Delhi's reputed top order tame them?
The odds are stacked against Sehwag and Co., given their indifferent form and the spicy nature of the DY Patil track. Sehwag himself may have to take on extra responsibility, like he did when he played out a maiden over from the marauding Lasith Malinga, in the game against Mumbai Indians. David Warner was in good touch against Rajasthan Royals, while Venugopal Rao promises stability lower down. Can Sehwag and Aaron Finch turn the tide as well? Though the batting has been patchy, Delhi's bigger worry is on the bowling front. If Morne Morkel doesn't find some support quickly, Delhi's search for their first win may not end at the DY Patil Stadium.
Team talk
Ashok Dinda was all over the place against Rajasthan, and might make way for Umesh Yadav in the Delhi XI. Given the lack of solidity in the middle order, Delhi may consider bringing in either James Hopes or Andrew McDonald to replace Roelof van der Merwe.
Pune, on the other hand, are unlikely to fiddle with their winning combination. Graeme Smith and legpisnner Rahul Sharma, who were both injured after colliding while attempting a catch against Kochi Tuskers Kerala earlier this week, are both recovering well, though a final call on their availability will only be taken on Sunday.