Match Preview: Chargers keen to derail the Kings

Will Kings XI prevail over the Deccan Chargers in Mohali?

It will be a battle of opportunity and pride when Kings XI Punjab take on the Deccan Chargers today at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, incidentally the last game of the season at the stadium. While for the home team, sitting on the seventh spot on the points table, it will be a chance to move upwards and be in the race for the playoffs, the visitors will look to salvage something from what has been a disastrous tournament for them so far.

Skipper Adam Gilchrist‘s injury break has been longer than expected but the rest of the squad under the leadership of David Hussey has shown enough depth to stay alive in the competition. While the bowling has been their main strength, the batting unit too has come good in recent outings. The only worry for KXIP, who comfortably beat the same opponent at Hyderabad five days ago, will be their track record at the PCA Stadium where they have lost four of the five games in this edition.

On the other hand, the whipping boys of the tournament, Deccan Chargers will be keen to force a change of fortunes. Despite ending up on the wrong side of some games which could have gone either way, skipper Kumar Sangakarra didn’t want to give the excuse of poor luck and admitted that his team has to step up its performance. According to him, the team is working hard on its fielding skills and will look to win the key moments in the match.

The pitch at the PCA Stadium has been a sporting one throughout the season. Though the spectators may bemoan about the lack of big hittings and tall scores, the track has ensured an even battle between the bat and ball.

Head to Head

Historically speaking, the KXIP have the edge over the visitors as they have won six out the nine matches between the two side, the most recent one being the 25 run victory at Hyderabad last Tuesday.

Played – 9, KXIP – 6, DC -3

Key Players

Kings XI Punjab

Mandeep Singh: The youngster was the star in the last victory against the Deccan Chargers with an aggressive 75 and the once again the team will look up to him for a decent start. The leading run scorer for the home side so far has grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed and will be keen to showcase his talent at his home ground.

David Hussey: Captaincy, it seems, has brought the best out of this Twenty20 specialist as his batting has improved with the added responsibility. He has also been impressive in the way he has utilized the limited amount of resources at his disposal and has kept KXIP in the contention for a spot in the playoffs.

Praveen Kumar: The Indian seamer has not had the best of seasons as far has wickets are concerned but his economical spell at the beginning of the innings has made tremendous impact on the final outcome.

Deccan Chargers

Cameron White: The former Australian Twenty20 skipper had an indifferent start to the tournament but slowly picked up pace. A big hitting innings from him can turn things around for the Chargers.

Dale Steyn: The world’s leading fast bowler has been the biggest positive for Deccan Chargers this season and he should be back in the playing XI after missing out in the last game. With pitch expected to offer some bounce and carry for the fast bowlers, Steyn will be itching to get the ball in his hand.

Kumar Sangakarra: The elegant left hander has had some good knocks under his belt in the tournament so far and on a challenging track, he is the most well equipped batsman for the visitors.

Match Prediction:

Notwithstanding the poor track record in home fixtures, Kings XI Punjab will be the favorites to earn the two points on offer they require to stay alive in the competition.