IPL 6: Match 1 - KKR vs DD - Statistical Preview
2012 Head-to-Head: The teams faced each other twice last season in group stages and once in the knockout round. In the group stages, both won a game each while in the knockout, Knight Riders recorded an impressive win by 18 runs and went on to win the league.
Gautam Gambhir has the best win-loss ratio of 1.61 among captains who have led in at least 15 matches in the IPL; he is followed by MS Dhoni (1.48) and Sachin Tendulkar (1.42). Meanwhile Gambhir’s Delhi Daredevils’ counterpart, Mahela Jayawardene, is far less impressive with win-loss ratio of 0.77.
Knight Riders have a slight edge going into this match with a 5-4 head-to-head record in their favour in 10 IPL games between these two teams, with one match abandoned. In the last five matches between these two teams, Knight Riders again lead 3-2.
In IPL 2012, Knight Riders’ spinners took the most wickets at the best average: 43 wickets at 19.65, while they were very miserly too, conceding just 6.34 runs per over, which is the best economy rate as well. On the other hand, Daredevils’ spinners were the least effective of all teams, taking 18 wickets at 40.72, with an economy rate of 7.63. Now with the addition of wily Johan Botha, Daredevils are trying to fill the bridge the gap as far as spin is concerned.
On the other hand, the average run-rate for Daredevils’ opening partnerships across all IPL matches is 8.87 runs per over which is the best among all teams. Knight Riders’ opening stands have been far more serene and calm as they average 7.46 runs per over.
This match will feature two of the most consistent players in IPL – Delhi Daredevils explosive opener Virender Sehwag(although he is doubtful for today’s match) has scored to his name the record of scoring five half-centuries on the trot, while KKR captain in Gautam Gambhir, has scored three half-centuries on the trot.