Morris' form a Royal concern as Capitals sniff historic opportunity for glory
Marcus Stoinis is an injury doubt for Capitals, with Steve Smith the most likely replacement
Big picture
In the news
Likely XIs
Strategy punt
- Capitals' Achilles heel this season has been their death bowling: they are the most expensive bowling side in the final four overs of an innings, leaking 10.71 runs an over. Capitals could gamble by using Kagiso Rabada through the middle as a strike bowler but Royals' batting line-up - which sees Morris carded at No. 8 - is well-placed to exploit that weakness.
- Liam Livingstone has looked invincible in T20 cricket since the start of the English summer, averaging 52.62 with a strike rate of 166.73 in that timeframe, but if there is one area of vulnerability in his game, it is his record against left-arm spin. Since 2019, he averages 24.11 and scores at a strike rate of 128.52 against left-arm spinners - expect Capitals to hold back some of Axar Patel's overs to target him in the middle overs.
Stats that matter
- Capitals' five-match winning streak against Royals came to an end at the Wankhede in the early stages of this season, with David Miller and Chris Morris inspiring a successful chase of 148.
- Rishabh Pant needs 56 runs to overtake Virender Sehwag as Capitals' all-time leading run-scorer.
- Sanju Samson has a surprisingly poor record against Capitals, scoring 164 runs across 10 innings with a strike rate of 126.15.
Matt Roller is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. @mroller98