IPL 2017: Top 4 player encounters to look for in the Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab match

Maxwell will be keen to get back to winning ways

Delhi Daredevils will play their first home match of IPL 2017. The last of the opening ceremonies will take place at the Feroz Shah Kotla as the home side take on a Kings XI Punjab side that lost its last game at the Eden Gardens, after beginning the tournament with two home wins.

Delhi also tasted defeat in their first game at the hands of a Royal Challengers Bangalore team that was playing without Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and KL Rahul. Failing to hold its nerve, the Delhi outfit faltered towards the end of their chase, losing by 15 runs.

Rahul Dravid’s boys came back strongly against a Rising Pune Supergiant team that was playing without its captain Steve Smith. Ajinkya Rahane took on captaincy duties, but could not think of a way to stop Sanju Samson’s onslaught.

The Kerala batsman went on to score this year’s first IPL century, helping DD in putting up a huge score of 205. What would have pleased Dravid the most is the way in which his side dismissed RPS for just 108. 

While DD will look to begin at home with a win, Kings XI have been playing some good cricket and will look to get back on track. Here are four player battles which might decide the outcome of the match.

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#1 Sam Billings vs Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep Sharma will need to pick wickets to have an impact on the game

The home side has invested a lot of faith in the young English batsman who has responded with two quick starts in the two games so far. Even through the India-England series, Billings got off to quick starts but was never able to capitalize.

Against the Punjab side, Billings will not want to fritter away another start. Sandeep Sharma, who has been an effective spearhead for the visiting side, had an off day against Gautam Gambhir in their last game. There was a lack of penetration from the Punjab bowlers as a unit, letting the Kolkata side waltz home to victory.

The medium pacer will have his task cut out against an aggressive opener.