Preview: DD vs KXIP (IPL – Match 44)

What

The Delhi Daredevils host the Kings XI Punjab, where the latter would be looking to avenge their opening loss.

When

Sunday, April 11, 4pm

Where

Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi

The Protagonists

Virender Sehwag – The Nawab of Najafgarh might have been lacklustre so far but, in the last match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, he showed that he is still a man who is raring to smash some leather out of the park. His composed knock along with Gautam Gambhir gave the Daredevils a fighting chance against KKR at Eden Gardens. His team would look to him as the man who can give them a good start, whether setting a target, or shooting one down.

Kumar Sangakkara – The Kings XI Punjab may have started getting victories at a very late phase in the tournament, but behind their good performances has been this southpaw from Ceylon. Having rallied his troops in the last match, they look to travel to Delhi looking to cause another upset and increase their slim chances of getting into the semi-finals

Head to head

Despite their poor run of form in this tournament, five encounters have passed between these two teams, with three of them going in favour of the Kings XI Punjab. Their previous meeting, which was the first for both these teams, was one that was decided in the last over where Delhi clinched a thriller.

Previous Encounter

The Delhi Daredevils were defeated in their previous encounter against the Kolkata Knight Riders in a hard-fought encounter at the Eden Gardens. The Kings XI Punjab have a penchant for causing massive upsets, like they did against the Mumbai Indians in their last match, winning it with six wickets to spare

What next?

The Kings XI Punjab has suddenly become the side which all teams are hoping to not face. Two points for them might not be earthshaking, but can have some serious consequences in a table which is getting tighter and tighter. The Delhi Daredevils are currently second, but a loss here could cause them to slip down a little and could drop a few question marks on their side’s ability to cope without Dirk Nannes.