DC vs KXIP: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
The IPL 2019 is approaching its most crucial phase. The match number 37 will see Delhi Capitals take on Kings XI Punjab at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi on Saturday. With both the teams trying to cement their place in the top-four, it would be interesting to see who has the last laugh in this tie. Here we present the match preview.
Delhi coming off loss to Mumbai, Punjab overcome Royals
Talking about the recent performance of both these sides, it has been a high ride for one, while the other endured a loss. Hosts Delhi are coming off an away loss to former champions Mumbai Indians by a margin of 40 runs. On the other hand, Punjab survived a royal challenge from Rajasthan at home, beating them by 12 runs.
Kagiso Rabada, KL Rahul among men to watch out for
Among the players who could make an impact, Delhi pacer Kagiso Rabada has been making headlines this term, courtesy his sheer fast bowling. However, he is likely to face competition from Punjab's KL Rahul, who too has been impressive with the bat. Meanwhile, Delhi's Shikhar Dhawan and Punjab's Chris Gayle would also be equally important when it comes to scoring runs.
Punjab way ahead of Delhi
As per the head-to-head records between these two sides, Punjab have dominated Delhi over the years. In 23 IPL matches, Punjab have won 14, while Delhi have nine wins. Of 21 matches played in India, Punjab have won 13, while Delhi have pocketed eight. However, things have been petty intense at Kotla. Out of 10 matches, it has been five apiece.
Kotla's sluggish track awaits another low-scoring tie?
The Kotla is known to be one of the slowest tracks in the country. It has been no different this IPL. A total of around 140 is usually scored in this ground, while anything above 150 or 160 is highly competitive. KXIP have a great spin attack and Delhi would be wary about the same. The hosts would look to attack from the start.
Here's the predicted Playing XI
DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Colin Munro, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Chris Morris, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma. KXIP: KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, David Miller, Sarfaraz Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Ravichandran Ashwin (captain), Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Singh. Dream XI: Rahul, Gayle, Sarfaraz, Dhawan, Shaw, Ashwin, Axar, Shami, Murugan, Mishra, Rabada.
When, where and how to watch
Match: Delhi Capitals (DC) vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Venue: Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. Time: 8 PM (IST). Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.
