A contest between Delhi and Deccan Chargers is much like an irresistible force speeding towards an immoveable object. Only Chennai (East London) were able to dominate the chargers. The other defeats have all been close contests including the one to Delhi earlier in the tournament. Delhi have nearly sealed their place in the knockouts and one more win will conform it. While a positive result for the Chargers here would mean a giant leap towards the next round. Delhi could be going in with an edge but Adam Gilchrist and his men are not far behind.

This is where it all started to fall in place for the Chargers. Their two biggest wins were scripted here. Wins against Chennai and Mumbai put the team on the map. Other sides started taking the Chargers seriously after their Durban stint. “It is a nice feeling to be back here. It does help when you know the record has been good here. But it could mean little once the match starts. We will approach this game as we have done other games all along,” said Gilchrist.

The wicket in Durban has been full of runs. It has not showed any sign of slowing down like some of the other venues have. “It has always been a good hard wicket. I don’t see it behaving any differently. The batsmen should relish this,” explained Gilchrist. The win over Rajasthan was crucial. It has added a lot to the team and the combination fielded on Monday was the best the team could have hoped for. But Gilchrist wished to keep the options open. “We decided on our combination in Kimberly only after we got to the ground. The wicket was more sub-continent and we knew the discipline of Chaminda Vaas will matter. We will do the same here,” added Gilchrist.

The heartening aspect of the win on Monday was the manner in which the team quickly put the defeat against Kings XI behind them. “It was not very difficult to motivate the boys. It was a huge disappointment but that’s the way the game goes.” The middle order now looks full of muscle with Dwayne Smith and Andrew Symonds looking in punishing form.

The form of Rohit Sharma is a concern but the vice-captain has been making up with his contribution with the ball. If he can find his touch the Chargers will wear an invincible look. Both teams cannot be faulted if they are already thinking about the semi-finals. They along with Chennai have looked the best bets in the tournament and the match will provide an insight on what to look forward to.

Delhi on the other hand have hardly put a foot wrong after a few early reversals. They have been dominant in their wins. Their only apprehension could be the fitness of Virender Sehwag. In all probability he would take field against the Chargers. They have done well in all departments of the game. Bowling has been their biggest strength and it is the result could hinge on the ability of Gilchrist and Co. to score quickly against the new ball.

Durban has been witness to some of the best action in this IPL and the crowd here could not have asked for a bigger contest at this stage of the tournament. It will be a true test of skills between two balanced outfits.