IPL 20-20 Cricket

Logic says never change a winning combination. Kolkata have won their last two games but may just turn that line of thinking on its head for this one, and unleash the latest Knight in their armour, Shoaib Akhtar, who has been waiting desperately for a go since touching down.

"A fit Shoaib, or even almost a 90 per cent fit Shoaib will be perfect for anyone. But again, at the same stage, we don't want to rush him in the competition," Kolkata coach John Buchanan says.

Delhi have suddenly got the task of finding a way to stop a dramatic slide. From being unstoppable to three straight defeats, Virender Sehwag's men have been on opposite ends of the wheel of fortune already, and know now that more slip-ups will cost them dear.

"When you look at the table, this game is very, very important. The next few fixtures against these teams could well determine the last spot in the semi-finals," says Greg Shipperd, the Delhi coach.

With both Ganguly and Sehwag on level terms with eight points each, the match promises to be a close one. While Delhi have hit a slump, Kolkata are enjoying a winning streak.