An uphill task awaits Royal Challengers Bangalore when they take on formidable Delhi Daredevils in their do-or-die Indian Premier League match in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The Bangalore outfit, who are at the sixth spot in the table with 12 points from as many matches, have everything to play for as a loss would undoubtedly throw them out of the semi-final race.
Delhi, on other hand, are sitting pretty at the top having already qualified for the semi-finals with 18 points out of 12 matches and will be hoping to carry forward their winning momentum to the last-four stage.
Besides the semi-final spot up for grabs, the match also provides Anil Kumble's men an opportunity to take revenge of their previous six-wicket loss against the Daredevils.
Although the Bangalore outfit is on a high after their last match win over second placed Chennai Super Kings, they would need something spectacular tomorrow to halt a consistent Delhi which boasts of innumerable match-winners.
AB de Villiers has been the pillar of Delhi batting, while Tilakaratne Dilshan and Dinesh Karthik provide the much needed fire power in the middle-order.
However, what remains a matter of concern for the Daredevils is the form of skipper Virender Sehwag and opener Gautam Gambhir.
Both Sehwag and Gambhir are still to fire in the tournament and the Delhi skipper expressed optimism of returning to form before the semi-finals.
"I hope I will get runs in next couple of matches that we have to play before the semi-final. And if Gautam and I manage to find our form, that will be bonus for us," he had said.
With a rejuvenated Asish Nehra and Dirk Nannes upfront, Delhi's bowling has been more than impressive.
Young Pradeep Sangwan has been consistent throughout, picking up crucial wickets, while Amit Mishra provides the sting in Delhi's spin department.
In contrast, Bangalore does not have equal riches at their disposal and it would take quite an effort to upset Delhi.
Bangalore's top order has been pretty inconsistent with Jacques Kallis playing well in patches, while both Jesse Ryder and Robin Uthappa have been a big disappointment.
Overall, it has been a pretty slipshod display by their batters, but Ross Taylor's return to form would please Kumble, who would be expecting the Kiwi to come good again tomorrow.
Although Bangalore's bowling has looked quite mundane, Kumble and Co. would take heart from the fact that they managed to restrict Chennai Super Kings to mere 129 in their last encounter.
And Kumble would be expecting a similar show from his bowlers against Delhi tomorrow to brighten their winning chances.
