Delhi Bulls vs Pune Devils Predictions: Abu Dhabi T10 League 17th Match Preview

Following the first round of matches in the Super League stage of the Abu Dhabi T10 Cricket League, the Delhi Bulls are currently sitting pretty at the very top, while their next opponents the Pune Devils are only saved from being last by the former’s victims, the Deccan Gladiators. The Bulls were pretty solid in the group stages too, but the Pune Devils finished bottom in their own group, and are now looking like they will struggle in the second round as well. Nevertheless, when these go head to head, there can always be twists in the game no matter how one-sided a probability is. Before the Bulls and the Devils pretty much literally lock horns, let’s take a look at the two sides.

Delhi Bulls

Predicted XI

Dwayne Bravo (c), Waqas Maqsood, Shiraz Ahmed, Ali Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Evin Lewis, Adam Lyth, Mohammad Nabi, Tom Abell, Fidel Edwards, Ravi Bopara, Sherfane Rutherford.

Preview and form

Looking like one of the top contenders for the trophy this year, the Delhi Bulls seem to have the batting strength and the bowling firepower to pull through. In their last match, Dwayne Bravo’s team bowled first. Thanks to an incredible spell by American bowler Ali Khan (yes, you read that right), where he picked up 2 wickets and gave away just 4 runs, and another 3 overs by the combination of Amad Butt and Shiraz Ahmed which resulted in just 28 runs and 3 important wickets, the Bulls were able to contain the Gladiators and restrict them to just 118. On the hunt for their target, Rahmanullah Gurbaz came back to form for a quick 47 off 20, while Evin Lewis made 35 off 14, and Sherfane Rutherford’s 28 from 13 wrapped things up for the Bulls with 8 wickets and 11 deliveries in hand.

DB Key players

Rahmanullah Gurbaz: When a player is this potent, he’s a permanent threat to the opposition.

Evin Lewis: When Lewis gets going, he is absolutely brutal - and that’s exactly what’s needed in this format.

Ali Khan: After the spell he bowled today, Khan deserves to be here.

Waqas Maqsood: We don’t know why he was dropped, but we think he’ll be back, and back with another bang.

Pune Devils

Predicted XI

Nasir Hossain (c), Ahmed Raza, Mohammad Amir, Munis Ansari, Chadwick Walton (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Karan KC, Kennar Lewis, Devon Thomas, Alex Davies, Hardus Viljoen.

Preview and form

The last thing the Devils would have wanted is to start their Super League journey with a loss - especially against fellow underdogs Bangla Tigers, but that’s just how things have gone for them. In that match, the Devils batted first, and despite Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 48 and Alex Davies’ 41, only managed to score an average 115. If that was unimpressive, their bowling was even more so. With the exception of Mohammad Amir with his 1 for 14 from two overs, no other bowler could keep their economy rate below 12.5, with most giving away 16 and over. Before the 9th over ended, the Devils had lost by 8 wickets.

PD Key players

Tom Kohler-Cadmore: The English batsman has been pretty consistent, but needs more support to fully flourish.

Nasir Hossain: A captain who doesn’t contribute isn’t much of a leader, and although Nasir Hossain has bowled a few overs, he is yet to have a meaningful contribution with the bat this season. He honestly should move himself up the order and have at it.

Karan KC: Although he was smashed around the park in the last game, this Nepali quick has the potential to be deadly.

Mohammad Amir: One of the last remaining greats of Pakistan’s golden generation of fast bowlers, Amir knows how to get things done.

Delhi Bulls vs Pune Devils weather conditions and pitch report

Perfect weather for cricket with little to no wind, a wonderfully balanced range of temperatures, pleasant humidity, and no rain.

Anyone following this tournament has seen how well-balanced the pitch is for both disciplines of the game, making it a players’ battle through and through.

Can the Bulls bring some hunger into their game? Or will the Devils turn out to be too cunning for their opponents? Find out if our Delhi Bulls versus Pune Devils predictions come true on Tuesday!