Match 64: DD v/s KXIP Preview
With just a few more matches left before the playoffs, every match becomes vital as teams in contention desperately try to get the points. A loss can very well end their IPL campaign and that is the position Kings XI Punjab find themselves in – a loss today will rule them out of contention. Delhi Daredevils are still on top and a win will now guarantee a spot in the play offs no matter what.
Delhi Daredevils, despite their recent batting failures are still a very strong team to contend against and they would be looking to rectify the small chinks in their armor before the knockout stage. They require just one win from their next 3 matches to qualify and it shouldn’t be a big task. So, surely this match would be seen as an experimental ground as they try to get their team composition correct.
Punjab on the other hand have everything to lose. A loss rules them out of the tournament and they will be desperately hoping to gain the two precious points with a win tonight. Their batsman are in good touch, especially after the brilliant run chase against the Deccan Chargers in their previous match and will be looking to carry that momentum forward.
Head to Head:
The two teams have met 8 times with Delhi winning on just 3 of those occasions and Punjab winning 5 times. Punjab won the last encounter between the two at Dharamsala last season by 29 runs.
Players to watch out for:
Delhi Daredevils
David Warner
The dashing Australian opener has announced himself with a brilliant century last week and tonight, he’ll be looking to take that good form forward. He is a dynamite and will be expected to get the runs at the top, considering that the middle order is weak and have crumbled in the past few matches. Also with Sehwag having failed in the last couple of innings, the onus will be on the Australian to fire at the top and DD will be hoping for runs to pour from his blade.
Virender Sehwag
The talented Indian dasher is made for the T20 format and has been in prolific form this year. He might have failed in the last couple of innings but he’ll be looking to reverse that and make it big tonight. Along with Warner at the top, he will be a big worry for the Punjab bowlers.
Morne Morkel
The South African fast bowler who took a truckload of wickets at the start of the tournament has slowly fallen off the radar, although he currently possesses the purple cap. He has been the strike bowler for Delhi but hasn’t had a very good wicket taking run in the past couple of games and would be looking to bounce back. His form is vital for DD as they look at the playoffs.
Kings XI Punjab
Mandeep Singh
If there has been one Indian player who truly has shone this year, then it has to be Mandeep Singh. He is Punjab’s top run-getter and a bright prospect for India. At the top of the order, Punjab would be expecting him to come good again as they face a formidable bowling attack of Delhi.
David Hussey
The stand in skipper for Adam Gilchrist, Hussey has taken to his role as captain really well. His match-winning knock in the previous encounter would surely give him confidence and he would be keen on leading from the front yet again. He might also have a role to play with the ball and he just might trouble the inconsistent DD middle order.
Azhar Mahmood
The Pakistani all-rounder who now holds British citizenship, has changed the fortunes of the Punjab team ever since his arrival. He gives more options to the Punjab team and has been right on the money not only with his bowling but also with his batting. With just a few more matches to go, he would be raring to make the most of his first IPL experience and try to steer his team into the playoffs.
Predicted Result:
Delhi look the superior side on paper and with the home condition in their favor, they are favorites to win this. However the resurgent Punjab side is no pushover and can certainly spring a surprise.