Match Preview: The last hurdle for KXIP
After jeopardizing Chennai Super Kings‘ chances of making it to the playoffs, the Kings XI Punjab face their own moment of truth when they face the table toppers Delhi Daredevils in their final league match of this season today at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. While Delhi, who are already certain of a spot in the top four slots, will look to get some practice before the playoffs, it will be interesting to see how the relatively inexperienced home side react to the pressure.
Pushed to the corner after the defeat against Delhi, the Kings received a major boost in the form of the return of skipper Adam Gilchrist from an injury lay off, who produced a man of the match effort to keep his side in the hunt. The huge win not only proved beneficial for their net run-rate but by defeating a major team like Chennai, KXIP also issued a huge statement that despite the lack of firepower or big names in their ranks, they are here to win. Another factor going in favor of the hosts is the presence of grass on the Dharamsala track, which is very much to their strength.
The Delhi Daredevils team, especially the bowlers, were given a major wakeup call in their last game by a certain Chris Gayle and they would be keen to get back to winning ways before the playoffs gets going. Even though the home team would be dearly hoping against it, one might see quite a number of changes in the playing XI and the return of marquee players like Virender Sehwag and Morne Morkel.
The track at the HPCA Stadium was unlike a Twenty20 track and tested the batsme,n but was much to the liking of the home team seamers. With the conditions expected to remain the same, win the toss and bowl first should be the mantra for both skippers.
Head to Head
The past record shows that there isn’t much to choose between the two teams. In nine previous meeting Punjab have won five games while Delhi have come out on top on four occasions.
Played-9, DD-5, KXIP-4
Players to Watch out
Kings XI Punjab
Adam Gilchrist: The former Australian proved in the last game that apart from his skills, his mere presence is enough to lift the spirits of his team. The start he provides at the beginning of the innings and the way he counters the threat of Morne Morkel will go a long way in assessing the outcome of the match.
Parvinder Awana: The team’s highest wicket-taker, who plays Ranji Trophy for Delhi, has undoubtedly been one of the finds of the tournament and his performance in the last two outings has been outstanding. Awana gave his team a fighting chance with his opening spell against Delhi and he will be keen to repeat his heroics.
Azhar Mahmood: In big games like this one, its more about controlling the nerves and this is where the experience of veterans like Mahmood will come into play in both batting and bowling departments.
Delhi Daredevils
Mahela Jayawardene: The elegant Sri Lankan has been largely inconsistent this season but his form has been improving. He played a vital knock when the two teams clashed four days ago and on a seaming wicket, he will be the big wicket for KXIP.
Morne Morkel: The South African has had a superb IPL so far and is touted to bag the purple cap this season. Though he was rested in the last game, the green track should tempt the team management to get him back on the board.
Ross Taylor: He is one of the most destructive Twenty20 player around but by his own admission, he has been way below par in this edition. The half century against RCB was a positive sign for Delhi and don’t be surprised if he is sent early to allow him some time in the middle.
Match Prediction
Man to man, Delhi look to be a far superior side and should start as the favorites. But as the Kings XI showed in their last game, with a bit of help from the surrounding factors, they can surprise the big teams.