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Preview and Match Result Predictions for Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils

Akshay Malik
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Predictions for Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils

Kings XI Punjab would be looking to take advantage of playing at home in Mohali after they succumbed to a 26 run loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With just 3 wins in eight matches, Punjab de puttar must get their act together and make the opposition do some bhangra. As KKR and MI have made the top two places their own, the race for the next two spots is heating up. KXIP are currently placed at sixth position in the points table.

Delhi Daredevils are still trying to get off the floor of the standings as they have managed just four points in seven matches. In their last match, they ran into the rampaging KKR and despite getting a good start from Sanju Samson, they could only make 160 which was never going to be enough against in form batting line up. The team has lost some close matches and must strive to win the crucial moments.

PITCH

The pitch at IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali affords good carry and the ball is going to come racing towards the bat. Pacers would have a better time here than spinners. This encounter is expected to be full of runs. Delhi may bat first as their bowling line up has soaked the pressure well while the Punjab would like to chase owing to their strong batting. Dew factor could also come into play. A shower or two is expected to hit Mohali at around 2 PM in the afternoon but it is set to clear off as the day progresses.

KINGS XI PUNJAB – STRENGTHS

KXIP batting has come good time and again. Hashim Amla, after scoring a ton and a half century didn’t play in the last match due to hamstring injury. The man who replaced him, Martin Guptill showed good intent in his brief stay at the crease. Shaun Marsh carried the whole batting on his broad shoulders with a magnificent 84 off just 50 balls. With the wicket full of runs, KXIP batsmen would be raring to go.

KINGS XI PUNJAB – WEAKNESSES

KXIP bowling has been their Achilles heel with none of the pacers able to contain the opposition or take wickets. On a fast Mohali pitch, not much can be expected from the spinners, Axar Patel and K C Cariappa. KXIP have registered the worst economy rate in the last five overs among all teams this season. With none of the bowlers delivering, Glenn Maxwell was forced to bowl his quota of four overs in the last match. Manan Vohra and Maxwell have not been consistent with the bat. Wriddhiman Saha has been most disappointing with not even one significant score to his name so far. And the think tank is still struggling to find the right mix of playing XI.

DELHI DAREDEVILS – STRENGTHS

Delhi’s bowling line-up comprising Zaheer Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Pat Cummins and Morris have all been among the wickets. They would be relishing the wicket at Mohali which has good pace and bounce in it. Sanju Samson has been phenomenal for them so far. Shreyas Iyer is also amongst runs. Chris Morris has done well at the death with both bat and ball.

DELHI DAREDEVILS – WEAKNESSES

The visiting team seems to have lost the winning momentum. Their batsmen have made things worse for them. Karun Nair hasn’t delivered with the bat. Rishabh Pant has also been laid low. The inexperience in their batting line up is showing up. Delhi hasn’t utilised Chris Morris good form with the bat and it is high time they send him up the order. Zaheer Khan, left the field in the last match as he pulled his hamstring and if he doesn’t play, that could lead a body blow to Delhi’s chances.

PREDICTED XI

KXIP – KXIP must realise that they need to play 5 bowlers to add some teeth to their bowling (Punjab itself means Five Waters). They can consider including Matt Henry in place of Anureet Singh. This means Eoin Morgan may have to sit out. Hashim Amla’s fitness is also going to be figured in. T Natarajan may also make a comeback if he is deemed fit to play.

Martin Guptill, Shaun Marsh, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Manan Vohra, Glenn Maxwell (capt), Axar Patel, Gurkeerat Singh, Matt Henry, KC Cariappa, Mohit Sharma, T Natarajan

DD – Sam Billings or Carlos Brathwaite may be included in place of Corey Anderson.

Sanju Samson, Sam Billings, Karun Nair, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Chris Morris, Ankit Bawne, Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan (capt)

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall: Played – 19, KXIP – 10, DD – 9

In Mohali: Played – 4, KXIP – 3, DD – 1

Earlier this season at Kotla, DD posted a total of 188 riding on Sanju Samson’s half century and Corey Anderson’s cameo. They restricted KXIP to 137 with disciplined bowling.

MATCH PREDICTION

With both the teams in the bottom half of the table and striving to climb up the ladder, this is expected to be a gruelling encounter. Here’s what we predict.

If DD bats first

1st Innings Score: 180 – 190

DD wins by 10-20 runs

If KXIP bats first

1st Innings Score: 180 – 190

KXIP wins by 20- 30 runs

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