23rd match: Mumbai Indians v Delhi Daredevils at Mumbai - May 4, 2008

The age-old Ranji rivalry gets a twist: Mumbai, so dominant in recent domestic cricket, are bottom of the IPL table, and the most expensive franchise are clearly struggling. Delhi, the current Ranji champions, are on top and looking a good bet to go all the way. Mumbai are faced with twin headaches: protecting themselves from a rampaging assault by Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, the IPL's most explosive opening pair and among the top run-getters in the event, and overpowering the nagging accuracy of Glenn McGrath and Mohammad Asif and their backup team of Yo Mahesh, Rajat Bhatia and Farveez Maharoof, who combine to make Delhi the most fearsome bowling attack.

Mumbai's cause isn't helped by the fact that Sachin Tendulkar is unlikely to play. But they must bank on carrying forward the confidence and teamwork they displayed at Eden Gardens in their last match, where they had their maiden victory. Sanath Jayasuriya and Shaun Pollock once again, will hold the key in what promises to be a contest of aggression against bowling intellect.