Delhi Capitals are set to lock horns with Kings Xl Punjab in the second match of the Indian Premier League 2020 which is set to take place in Dubai. Both the teams would consider themselves unfortunate as they have not managed to win the title yet. Despite having the big names in their line-up.
Delhi Capitals showed great signs of improvement in the last season and looked well in place to claim their maiden IPL title. But the inexperience of the team at the play-offs and the relatively inexperienced captain meant they could get past the line.
Kings Xl Punjab on the other side finished sixth in the table last time. There is no doubt the team has some highly potential players with the likes of K.L Rahul, Chris Gayle and Glenn Maxwell. The KXlP campaign would be hoping the West Indian Veteran would get all guns blazing as he is one of the few players capable of destroying the opponents single-handedly.
With both the teams looking to clinch their maiden IPL title, It would be exciting to watch which one of them could get things started on a positive note?
Head to Head
Matches- 24, Delhi Capitals- 10, Kings Xl Punjab- 14
Team News
The Delhi Capitals did report one of their staff being tested positive for the virus. Fortunately it was not transmitted amongst the camp. With no cases of injuries being reported, both the teams are likely to go into the tournament with full strength.
The only tough decision for the Delhi Capitals will be to decide on to go ahead with Prithvi Shaw or the experienced contender Ajinkya Rahane. Given the current form of Shaw, he is likely to get the nod for the encounter.
With the ODI series between England and Australia coming to a close, the players of both countries are already reported to have arrived to join their IPL teams. Moreover, the quarantine restrictions have been relaxed for the players now, which means the mighty Australian Glenn Maxwell can set his guns blazing for the Kings.
Pitch and Conditions
The weather is reported to be clear throughout with no chances of rain. Temperatures are expected to be hovering over the range of 33 degrees with humidity around 63%. Due to the high humidity, Due is expected to play a crucial role later on in the game.
The Pitch is said to be a paradise for the batsman as there is no grass covering whatsoever. With the short boundaries and flat surface, the pacers are likely expected to have a tough time. Thought from what one as seen- the pitch does have something to offer for the spinners.
Probable Playing Xl
Delhi Capitals (DC): Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer(C), Shimron Hetmyer, Rishabh Pant(wk), Marcus Stoinis, Keemo Paul, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada.
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP): KL Rahul (C & Wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Glenn Maxwell, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sheldon Cottrell, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ravi Bishnoi.
Key Battles
Chris Gayle vs Ravichandran Ashwin
If there is one bowler that Chris Gayle finds it hard to get going it is the Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The veteran West Indian has frequently shown his weakness against finger spinners and Ashwin has always used to his advantage. The last time the two met, Ashwin was the winner of the mini-battle.
It would be entertaining to see if the 40-year would be coming up with a plan to play Ashwin or will Ashwin win the battle again?
Shikhar Dhawan vs Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is known to be an excellent bowler especially to the left-handers. The Indian opener Dhawan has an aggressive approach to the game and is known to play some stunning strokes early during the powerplay. With Mujeeb’s ability to take the ball away from the batsman and Dhawan’s tendency to drive the ball at times could mean a very good wicket opportunity for the Bangladeshi.
Given that Dhawan is the kind of player who can dominate any bowler if in his prime form. Will the Indian opener be able to twirl his moustache or will the Bangladeshi sensation have the last laugh?
Prediction
Delhi Capitals will come into the tournament on the back of an excellent season last year and will likely look to continue that. The team looks well settled under the legendary former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Delhi Daredevils have a very strong bowling unit with the likes of Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada and Ravichandran Ashwin.
On the other side Kings Xl Punjab have one of the best opening batting pairs in the form of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle. Both the players are capable of taking the game away from the opposition in no time, with the inclusion of Glenn Maxwell in the line-up and given the current form of the Australian. Kings Xl Punjab could well end up on the winning side.
Cricwizz Prediction: Kings Xl Punjab to win the match
