Delhi Bulls vs Northern Warriors Predictions: Abu Dhabi TCL 9th Match Preview

The Delhi Bulls have been the poster boys of the T10 format so far in this tournament, with two wins out of two and a ridiculous net run rate to boot. Firmly at the top of the table, It would take an almost impossible series of events to dislodge them from their position. Looking to do so will be their opponents for the next match, the Northern Warriors. They are the last team whose previously stated roster we will correct, so read about the changes below. The Warriors lost their first match to the Maratha Arabians, and after a day’s break, they will be back on the field tomorrow looking for their first win against a seemingly well-prepared team. The match is almost a dead rubber for one, while a chance to come back for another, and before it begins, let’s take a look at the two teams.

Delhi Bulls

Predicted XI

Dwayne Bravo (c), Amad Butt, Kashif Daud, Ali Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Evin Lewis, Adam Lyth, Mohammad Nabi, Waqar Salamkheil, Fidel Edwards, Ravi Bopara, Sherfane Rutherford.

Preview and form

When you hear the fact that a bowler who bowled only 2 overs and took 1 wicket got the Player of the Match award over a batsman who scored 55 off 16, you know the circumstances had to be special. Bowling first against the Arabians, some of the Bulls bowlers kept it incredibly tight - especially Amad Butt, who only gave away a ridiculous 7 runs and took a wicket for his 4 overs. Restricting their opponents to a pathetic 87, the Bulls smashed everything in sight like their namesake animal in a china shop, and reached their target in just a crazy 5 overs with 9 wickets in hand.

Key players

Evin Lewis: 55 off 16 is borderline animalistic, and we’d love to see more of Lewis’ animal instincts.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz: The young Afghan may have flopped last game, but he has a great habit of bouncing back every time.

Amad Butt: After a performance like that, it’s impossible not to expect more from this guy.

Fidel Edwards: Edwards seems to have gotten new life in this tournament, and he might just get better with time.

Northern Warriors

Predicted XI

Nicholas Pooran (c/wk), Fabian Allen, Rayad Emrit, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Rovman Powell, Waseem Muhammad, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Siddique, Lendl Simmons, Wayne Parnell.

Preview and form

The following are corrections to the lineup: Amir Yamin and Nuwan Pradeep will not be a part of the Warriors, while Wayne Parnell, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Kjorn Ottley, Waheed Ahmad, Waseem Muhammad, and Sujeet Parbatani will be. No team wants to lose the very first match of a tournament, but the Warriors were given such a fate by the Maratha Arabians. Batting first, the Warriors put up a commanding 127 off their 10 overs, with Lendl Simmons scoring 54 off 31 and 3 others coming in with useful cameos, with Brandon King’s 29 being the best of the lot. Their defense of that target, however, wasn’t as good. Although Fabian Allen was fantastic for his double-wicket haul, and Rayad Emrit also did very well, the others conceded way too many runs, causing the team to lose by 5 wickets off of the very last ball of the match.

Key players

Lendl Simmons: Although he top scored for the team, Simmons should have been a lot more hard-hitting considering the format.

Nicholas Pooran: One of the players whose play style fits the format perfectly, Pooran just needs to stay at the crease for longer.

Fabian Allen: After his excellent bowling in the first match, much will be expected from Allen.

Rayad Emrit: The CPL veteran was solid last game, and hopefully we will see much more of this stalwart of the game.

DB vs NW weather conditions and pitch report

Given the conditions predicted, the onset of night should have no tangible effect on the ongoing match.

With matches being this short, there shouldn’t be any adverse effects on the pitch for the third match. That being said, the constant play on the surface has deteriorated it a little, and bowlers will enjoy it a little more. Totals of 120 or more will be hard to get.

Can the Bulls charge to an unassailable lead? Or will the Warriors fight their way to their first win? Find out if our Delhi Bulls versus Northern Warriors predictions come true on Saturday!