In a thrilling encounter between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 56 of the Indian Premier League 2024 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav emerged as the hero for DC with a match-winning performance. Kuldeep’s exceptional figures of 2/25 in four overs played a crucial role in DC’s 20-run victory over RR, propelling them to the fifth spot on the points table.

Former India fast bowler Varun Aaron showered praise on Kuldeep for his outstanding display, particularly highlighting his double-wicket 18th over, where he picked up the crucial wickets of Donovan Ferreira and Ravichandran Ashwin while conceding just four runs.

“Kuldeep was absolutely phenomenal”

Aaron credited DC captain Rishabh Pant for exhibiting trust in Kuldeep’s abilities during the pressure-laden death overs, a decision that ultimately paid dividends for the team.

“Kuldeep was absolutely phenomenal. He was my player of the match as well because to do those kinds of things in that situation, in those conditions, is really not easy. Those two wickets in the 17th over, we must also give credit to Rishabh Pant because that was a brave call. You can shy away from it and give it to your fast bowler, but Rishabh Pant took that gamble and gave it to Kuldeep, and he delivered like he said in the post-match presentation,” said Varun Aaron.

Kuldeep’s impact upon team

Kuldeep’s remarkable form in the IPL 2024 season continued, as he showcased his prowess with the ball once again. With 14 wickets to his name from nine innings at an impressive average of 20.50 and an economy rate of 8.20, Kuldeep has been a key contributor to DC’s success. His standout performances include a four-wicket haul against Sunrisers Hyderabad and a match-winning spell of 3/20 against Lucknow Super Giants.

See Also: Sanju Samson fined for dissent post tight boundary catch by hope – Cricket Winner

Following their victory against RR, DC now stands in fifth place on the points table, having secured six wins from 12 matches and accumulating 12 points. With two crucial games remaining against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Lucknow Super Giants, DC aims to continue their winning momentum to solidify their position in the playoffs race.

Rajasthan Royals‘ captain, Sanju Samson, has incurred a 30% fine of his match fees for violating the IPL’s code of conduct during the team’s recent clash against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Samson’s breach pertains to a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the code, specifically for showing dissent towards an umpire’s decision. Accepting his fault, Samson acknowledged the match referee’s penalty without contest.

Sanju Samson fined for his catch

During the match, Samson, who led the RR batting charge with a commendable 86 off 46 deliveries, faced a pivotal moment in the 16th over of their pursuit of 222 runs. Caught by Shai Hope at long-on off Mukesh Kumar’s bowling, the catch witnessed a brief stumble from Hope near the boundary edge. Following a review by TV umpire Michael Gough, it was confirmed that Hope had cleanly taken the catch.

In response to his dismissal, Samson engaged in a prolonged conversation with on-field umpires KN Ananthapadmanabhan and Ulhas Gandhe before departing from the field.

Coach reactions and match impact of Samson’s penalty

The incident held significance as it occurred at a crucial juncture in the match, with RR’s aspirations of chasing down the target heavily reliant on Samson’s performance. RR head coach Kumar Sangakkara expressed empathy towards the third umpire for the challenging decision.

Kumar Sangakkara added, “It depends on replays and angles, and sometimes you think the foot’s touched,” he said at his post-match press conference. “But it is a difficult one for the third umpire to judge. The game was at a crucial stage, so that happens in cricket. We have different perspectives on it. At the end of the day, you have to stand by that decision in terms of what the umpires did. If we have any other kind of opinion on it, we will share it with the umpire and sort it out. But irrespective of that dismissal, we still should have probably seen that game home.”

Meanwhile, Capitals’ assistant coach Pravin Amre praised Hope’s agility in recovering his balance to complete the catch, highlighting the importance of the moment in shaping the outcome of the match.

See Also: SRH vs LSG to be called off? Heavy rainfall in Hyderabad

Pravin Amre said, “In IPL some moments are very crucial, and it [Hope’s catch] was a deciding moment in the game,” Amre said. “Sanju was batting so well. We have to give credit to the way Hope judged that catch, he balanced himself [well] with that. Umpires are there, and there is so much technology. Once he is given out by the third umpire, it was more [clear]. We also thought from the dugout that he has [touched the boundary cushions] but it [happens] in the game, and the umpire’s decision is the final decision. It wasn’t an easy catch, it was really travelling. After the game also I spoke [to Hope], he anticipated that very well, but he said the ball came very, very fast.”

In a thrilling encounter in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Delhi Capitals emerged victorious with a hard-fought 20-run win over the Rajasthan Royals, securing crucial points and solidifying their position among the mid-table teams. The match witnessed impressive performances from both sides, with Delhi’s strategic bowling and Rajasthan’s resilient batting keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Delhi Capitals shines with their strategic bowing

Delhi’s bowlers, led by Khaleel Ahmed, showcased their prowess early on, despite a spirited start from Rajasthan. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav’s contributions further bolstered Delhi’s bowling performance, with Rasikh Dar’s dismissal of Riyan Parag initially appearing promising for the Capitals. However, Sanju Samson’s aggressive batting kept Rajasthan in contention, challenging Delhi’s grip on the game.

Despite facing setbacks, Delhi’s captain, Rishabh Pant, strategically saved Kuldeep Yadav for the crucial 17th over, a decision that proved pivotal as Kuldeep secured key breakthroughs. Rasikh Dar and Mukesh Kumar displayed nerves of steel in the final overs, ultimately securing the victory for Delhi.

DC bring a well deserve victory

Meanwhile, Rajasthan faced challenges in their run chase of 222 runs. An early setback with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal and Jos Buttler’s struggle at the crease left the team in a difficult position. However, Sanju Samson’s resilient batting provided hope, with a solid Powerplay start for Rajasthan.

As the match progressed, both Samson and Parag battled against Delhi’s spin attack, keeping the run rate ticking. However, Delhi’s disciplined bowling ultimately proved too much for Rajasthan, with crucial wickets falling at crucial moments. Despite valiant efforts from Donovan Ferreira and Rovman Powell, Rajasthan fell short by 20 runs, handing Delhi Capitals a well-deserved victory.

See Also: DC vs RR: Controversy erupts on Sanju Samson dismissal; DC owner gesture goes viral

With this win, Delhi Capitals bolster their position in the IPL standings, setting the stage for an exciting race to the playoffs amidst stiff competition from teams like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Lucknow.

IPL 2024 has witnessed thrilling cricketing action, with players showcasing their skills on the grand stage. As the tournament progresses, the race for the Orange and Purple Caps intensifies, highlighting individual brilliance amidst team efforts.

IPL 2024: Most Runs

Virat Kohli, the captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore, has been a stalwart with the bat, leading the run-scoring charts. In 11 matches, he has amassed 542 runs at an impressive average of 67.75.

See Also: SRH vs LSG to be called off? Heavy rainfall in Hyderabad

Ruturaj Gaikwad has been a revelation for his team, falling just one run short of claiming the top spot in the IPL 2024 Orange Cap list. He has been a consistent performer with 541 runs in 11 games, striking at 146.68.

The skipper of Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson, has showcased his dominance with the bat in IPL 2024. He has scored 471 runs in 11 matches with an outstanding average of 67.29 and has been a consistent scorer for his team.

Sunil Narine, the former West Indies international, has had a phenomenal season with the bat. Apart from his power-hitting abilities, he has maintained consistency, scoring 461 runs in 11 matches with an exceptional strike rate of 183.66.

Travis Head’s explosive batting at the top order has earned him a notable mention in the Orange Cap race. With 444 runs in 10 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he has propelled his team’s position in the tournament.

IPL 2024: Orange Cap

IPL 2024: Most Wickets

Jasprit Bumrah, the fast bowler for Mumbai Indians, has been outstanding in all three phases of the innings. Consistently delivering wickets with minimal runs conceded, he has been a crucial asset for his team.

Harshal Patel, the leading wicket-taker for Punjab Kings, has showcased an outstanding performance. Notably, his spell of 3/24 against CSK at Dharamsala, including the dismissal of MS Dhoni for a golden duck, highlights his reliability as a wicket-taker.

Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner for Kolkata Knight Riders, has been among the wickets regularly. His ability to turn around matches with crucial breakthroughs has strengthened KKR’s bowling attack.

T Natarajan, the left-arm pacer for Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been outstanding with the ball. He consistently takes wickets and has played a pivotal role in SRH’s quest for a playoff spot.

Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm pacer, has been among the wickets regularly. Despite concerns over his economic rate, his ability to bowl effectively across all three stages of the innings has been a valuable asset for his team.

IPL 2024 Purple Cap

In the 56th match of the IPL 2024 season, Delhi Capitals clashed with Rajasthan Royals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, delivering an exhilarating game of cricket. Delhi Capital (DC) gave Rajasthan Royals (RR) their third defeat of the tournament as they beat them by 20 runs.

Samson’s Resilience

Facing the daunting task of chasing down 222 runs in 20 overs, Rajasthan Royals encountered early setbacks with the dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second ball of the innings.

See Also: DC vs RR: Controversy erupts on Sanju Samson dismissal; DC owner gesture goes viral

Despite the early setback, Sanju Samson’s impressive half-century kept Rajasthan Royals in contention. However, his departure marked a turning point, making it challenging for RR to stage a comeback. RR were cruising along nicely towards their target but Sanju Samson lost his wicket to Mukesh Kumar in the 16th over as he departed after scoring 86 runs off just 46 balls.

Highest individual scores as a captain for RR:
119 – Sanju Samson vs PBKS, Mumbai WS, 2021
86 – Sanju Samson vs DC, Delhi, 2024
82* – Sanju Samson vs LSG, Jaipur, 2024
82 – Sanju Samson vs SRH, Dubai, 2021
79* – Steven Smith vs MI, Ahmedabad, 2015

Dominant Batting Display by Delhi Capitals

Opting to bat first, Delhi Capitals showcased a dominant batting performance, led by Jake Fraser-McGurk’s explosive fifty off just 19 balls. Ravichandran Ashwin’s crucial wickets of Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel halted Delhi’s momentum, but Tristan Stubbs’ aggressive knock and contributions from Gulbadin Naib propelled Delhi to a formidable total of 221-8.

The Chase and Samson’s Heroics

Despite losing Jaiswal early, Rajasthan Royals remained in the hunt, fueled by Sanju Samson’s resilient batting. Samson’s fifty off 27 balls injected momentum into RR’s chase. However, Samson’s dismissal in the 16th over greatly affected RR’s hopes. With wickets falling at crucial junctures, RR needed an improbable 29 runs off the last over, sealing Delhi’s victory.

With this crucial win, Delhi Capitals solidified their position in the IPL 2024 points table, amassing 12 points from 12 matches and positioning themselves fifth.

Most wickets for DC in the IPL:
106 – Amit Mishra
76 – Kagiso Rabada
61 – Axar Patel
60 – Anrich Nortje
45 – Kuldeep Yadav
45 – Morne Morkel

200-plus totals achieved in both innings of an IPL match
13 times – 2024
12 times – 2023
5 times – 2022
4 times – 2008, 2010, 2018, 2020
Thrice – 2014, 2021
Twice – 2017, 2019
Once – 2011, 2012, 2016
No such instance in 2009, 2013, 2015

The dismissal of Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson during the DC vs RR game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi sparked controversy, leading to an animated conversation with the umpires.

The Disputed Catch

As Samson approached his century, he attempted a big hit but was caught out on the boundary by Shai Hope. However, the catch was contentious as it appeared too close to the ropes.

See Also: SRH vs LSG to be called off? Heavy rainfall in Hyderabad

While one angle suggested a gap between the fielder’s shoes and the boundary line, other replays indicated otherwise. Despite the conflicting evidence, the on-field umpire’s decision to uphold the outcall remained unchanged.

Samson’s Reaction

The RR skipper started walking off and only to return to the middle to have what looked like a heated discussion with the onfield umpires. Meanwhile the Delhi Capitals ownership in the stands lets their emotions out which seem to be suggest that Samson has to go. This was a hit down the ground by Samson. Didn’t middle it well enough. Hope was close to the boundary and he made sure he didn’t step on the rope despite a couple of wobbly movements at the end. But the replays aren’t clear if Hope completed that clean without touching the boundary. Samson was walking off but the RR dugout believes the fielder touched the rope. Visibly displeased, Samson walked off the field but returned to engage in a heated discussion with the umpires. His frustration was evident as he contested the decision.

Before his controversial dismissal, Samson showcased exceptional batting skills, anchoring the innings alongside Riyan Parag. His aggressive innings, comprising eight fours and six sixes, played a crucial role in RR’s total. Samson smashed eight fours and 6 sixes en route to his 86-run knock off 46 deliveries.

Impact on the Match

The dismissal dealt a significant blow to Rajasthan Royals, affecting their momentum. Despite Samson’s valiant effort with the bat, his departure profoundly impacted the team’s prospects.

DC’s Involvement

DC co-owner Parth Jindal was observed signalling from the stands that Samson was indeed ‘out.’ This added another layer of complexity to the situation.

Star leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal achieved a significant milestone in his illustrious cricketing career as he completed 350 wickets in T20 cricket. This exceptional feat further solidifies his position as one of the premier spin bowlers in the game.

Chahal’s Journey to 350 Wickets

Chahal’s remarkable journey to 350 T20 wickets reached a historic milestone in Match 56 of IPL 2024, where he scripted history by becoming the first Indian cricketer to achieve this remarkable feat. The match against Delhi Capitals witnessed Chahal’s exceptional bowling prowess as he reached the coveted milestone.

See Also: Watch: Jake Fraser-McGurk unleashes havoc against RR

Dismissing Rishabh Pant: A Landmark Moment

Chahal’s journey to 350 wickets was highlighted by his dismissal of Delhi Capitals’ skipper Rishabh Pant, marking a significant moment in T20 cricket history. This landmark wicket further underscores Chahal’s proficiency and effectiveness as a match-winning bowler.

With this achievement, Chahal has etched his name in Indian cricketing folklore, joining the elite company of players with over 300 wickets in T20 cricket. His exceptional bowling skills and unwavering determination have made him a vital asset for the Indian cricket team.

T20 International Success

Chahal’s success extends beyond domestic leagues, as he boasts an impressive record in T20 Internationals, having taken 96 wickets for India at an average of 25.09. His remarkable performances have played a crucial role in India’s success in the shortest format of the game.

Most wickets in T20s among Indians

Yuzvendra Chahal – 350 wickets in 301 matches

Piyush Chawla – 310 in 293 matches

R Ashwin – 306 in 318 matches

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 297 in 281 matches

Spinners with 350-plus wickets in Men’s T20 cricket
572 – Rashid Khan
549 – Sunil Narine
502 – Imran Tahir
482 – Shakib Al Hasan
350 – Yuzvendra Chahal

Records and Milestones

Chahal’s dominance in the IPL has been nothing short of spectacular, as he became the first bowler to surpass 200 wickets in the tournament earlier this season. His consistent performances and ability to outsmart batters have made him a force to be reckoned with in the IPL.

Chahal’s rise to prominence has seen him surpass cricketing legends such as Shane Watson to become the second-highest wicket-taker for Rajasthan Royals in IPL history. His remarkable achievements have solidified his status as one of the premier spin bowlers in the IPL.

Jake Fraser-McGurk’s remarkable batting exhibition during a thrilling cricket encounter has left fans in awe. His exceptional performance in the IPL 2024 season has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. His recent achievement of scoring a half-century in just 19 balls is a testament to his exceptional talent and potential.

In the 56th match of IPL 2024, Trent Boult initiated the proceedings with a challenging delivery, but McGurk showcased his prowess with a confident flick, setting the tone for an enthralling battle.

See Also: MLC 2024 set to begin from 5th July; Check full schedule

Despite facing formidable deliveries from Boult, McGurk’s resilience shone through as he navigated through a tough over, accumulating crucial runs for his team.

Avesh Khan’s Entry and McGurk’s Dominance

As Avesh Khan stepped up to the challenge, McGurk unleashed a barrage of powerful strokes, sending the ball soaring over the boundary with impeccable timing and precision. In a whirlwind of boundaries and sixes, McGurk blazed his way to a remarkable fifty, exhibiting his batting prowess and establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. The DC youngster had smashed 28 runs off 6 balls, including 2 sixes and 4 fours, against the RR pacer Avesh Khan.

Fastest IPL fifties for DC (by balls taken)
15 – Jake Fraser-McGurk vs SRH, Delhi, 2024
15 – Jake Fraser-McGurk vs MI, Delhi, 2024
17 – Chris Morris vs GL, Delhi, 2016
18 – Rishabh Pant vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2019
18 – Prithvi Shaw vs KKR, Ahmedabad, 2021
19 – Tristan Stubbs vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2024
19 – Jake Fraser-McGurk vs RR, Delhi, 2024

Most IPL fifties scored in less than 20 balls
3 – Jake Fraser-McGurk
2 – Yashasvi Jaiswal
2 – Nicholas Pooran
2 – Ishan Kishan
2 – Sunil Narine
2 – Kieron Pollard
2 – Travis Head
2 – KL Rahul

Jake Fraser-McGurk in the Powerplay in IPL 2024
Runs: 245
Balls: 96
Dismissals: 4
Avg: 61.2
SR: 255.2
4s/6s: 29/19

Ashwin’s Strategy

In a surprising turn of events, Ravi Ashwin’s clever bowling strategy led to McGurk’s dismissal, ending his sensational innings on a high note. Despite the unfortunate end to his innings, McGurk’s explosive batting display left a lasting impression, highlighting his immense talent and potential in the cricketing arena. RR all-rounder broke the deadly partnership between Jake and Abhishek as Fraser departed after scoring 50 off 20 balls.

Catching the Eye of Selectors

Fraser-McGurk’s stellar performances have not gone unnoticed, as he garners praise from fans, teammates, and cricketing experts. His remarkable form has sparked discussions about his potential inclusion in Australia’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad, prompting Cricket Australia selectors to take note of his achievements.

The 56th match of the IPL 2024 season will be played between Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. However, Rajasthan Royals won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Delhi Capitals won five games so far and lost six as well. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals won eight games so far and they lost two games as well. However, both teams will try to win the game and keep the momentum on. This is going to be an exciting match for both teams as well.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

IPL 2024: DC vs RR, Match 56: Who said what at the toss?

Rishabh Pant: Pitches this season are more batting friendly. Some injuries, health issues are there in our team but we don’t want focus on those things and we got to focus on the matches and do our best. Ishant and Gulbadin come in.

Sanju Samson: We would like to bowl first, looks a good a wicket to chase on. We are comfortable doing both. The environment in the team is what pleases me, we have great characters, of course winning helps. Dhruv and Hetmyer are unavailable. Shubham Dubey and Donovan Ferreira are in.

Playing XIs:

Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal

Delhi Capitals: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Abishek Porel, Shai Hope, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Tristan Stubbs, Gulbadin Naib, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed

Delhi Capitals Impact Subs: Rasikh Dar Salam, Praveen Dubey, Lalit Yadav, Sumit Kumar, Kumar Kushagra

Rajasthan Royals Impact Subs: Jos Buttler, Kuldeep Sen, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tanush Kotian, Kunal Singh Rathore

DC vs RR Match Preview

The 56th match of the IPL 2024 will feature the Delhi Capitals taking on the Rajasthan Royals. The game will take place at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium and will begin at 7:30 PM IST on May 7. Delhi Capitals have managed to keep their dream of playing in the IPL 2024 playoffs alive after a late-season surge. The team has five wins in 11 games, with four of those coming in the last six. Meanwhile, RR has been unstoppable. With eight wins in ten games, they have already qualified for the IPL 2024 playoffs. RR has lost two games, but they were expected to win both of them.

DC vs RR Match Details

Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals – 56th Match

Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium – New Delhi

Date & Time: 07th May 2024 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

DC vs RR Venue Stats

DC vs RR Pitch Report

The wicket at Arun Jaitley Stadium has been a bowlers’ graveyard. In the most recent game here, DC scored 257-4, and MI came close, losing by only 10 runs. Anything under 230 should be very easy to find here.

DC vs RR Weather Report

Temperatures have risen in the north, and they will hover around 30 degrees in the evening. The humidity will be 18 percent, and the wind speed will be 11 kilometers per hour.

DC vs RR Last Five Matches

DC vs RR Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Watch: India reveal new T20I jersey for T20 WC 2024

DC vs RR Probable Playing XIs:

Rajasthan Royals Probable Playing XIs

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma, Avesh Khan/RovmanPowell

Delhi Capitals Probable Playing XIs

Abishek Porel, Prithvi Shaw, Jake Frazer McGurk, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Shai Hope/David Warner, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed, Anrich Nortje

Topmost Picks for DC vs RR Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Rajasthan Royals

• Jos Buttler –  Buttler has blown hot and cold in the season. He has scored a couple of centuries but in other matches, he has failed to make much contribution.
• Yuzvendra Chahal – Chahal was hammered by SRH in last game but he is a champion bowler and knows how to bounce back.

Top Picks – Delhi Capitals

• Jake Frazer McGurk – Jake Frazer McGurk has been outstanding for DC. He has been in great hitting mode and has kept David Warner out of the playing XI which is a big achievement.
• Kuldeep Yadav – Kuldeep Yadav scored 35 in the last game, showing he can also contribute runs when required. However, bowling is his primary job and he has been outstanding for DC this season, taking 12 wickets.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for DC vs RR Dream11 Team:

Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal(VC), Jake Frazer McGurk(C), Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed, Trent Boult

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for DC vs RR Dream11 Team:

Sanju Samson(C), Jos Buttler, Rishabh Pant(VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jake Frazer McGurk, Riyan Parag, Tristan Stubbs, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Khaleel Ahmed, Trent Boult

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Jake Frazer McGurk, Sanju Samson

Vice-captain – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant

Wicketkeeper – Jos Buttler

DC vs RR Probable Winners:

We expect the Rajasthan Royals to win. The team has played outstanding cricket, winning eight of the ten matches. They have a powerful batting lineup that is supported by a strong bowling attack. The Delhi Capitals have a good team, but they have been inconsistent. DC will find it difficult to score runs against RR’s bowling, so RR are our favourites. Considering the team combination, Rajasthan Royals is expected to win this match.