DC vs KXIP IPL 2019 preview: Punjab and Delhi fight to gain lift in points table

This is where the beauty of Indian Premier League lies. As we head towards the business end of the league stage, there are a few teams in contention for the two spots in the top four. And in IPL season 12, Delhi and Punjab can be these teams.

Both teams have five wins in nine games and are separated in the points table only by net run-rate. The clash on Saturday offers the teams a chance to gain a lift in the points table and also check the strength of their respective teams.

Venue:

In the four games played here in IPL 2019, targets were chased successfully three times. There is something for the spinners as indicated by Rahul Chahar’s success the other night and it might not be the surface where batsmen can swing their arms recklessly.

Merch signing day! ?

Before leaving for Delhi, the Shers took some time out and autographed KXIP merchandise for our lovely fans!

Visit https://t.co/nP35v7Axz4 for more images.#SaddaPunjab pic.twitter.com/omHWWBb5a5

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 19, 2019

For guide:

Delhi have done well courtesy of a stable batting line-up and their pace department headed by Kagiso Rabada breathes confidence. The lower middle order is a worry though.

Punjab owe their success to Rahul and Gayle’s solid opening while the form of the spinners is soothing too. A bit of push up by the pacers will elevate their overall strength.

It is time again for the much-awaited #NorthernDerby! ?

Kal #NeelaPehenkeAana hai, mil kar #QilaKotla fateh karna hai. ?

Kuch hi tickets bache hai toh jaldi book kijiye ?? https://t.co/vmdxbWj15H#DCvKXIP #ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/hMBR26paBA

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 19, 2019

Key Numbers:

• Punjab has dominated Delhi in head to head battles. KXIP have won 14 matches while Delhi has won nine. In the last six matches, Delhi has won only once.

• Delhi have a poor record at home this season. They lost three of the four matches played here while the fourth match was won in the super-over courtesy of Rabada special yorkers.

Players in focus:

With 11 wickets in 9 matches, R Ashwin has done a decent job of keeping things tight. His strike rate of 19.63 reflects his effectiveness and against Delhi his off-spin will be crucial as there are plenty of left-handers.

19 wickets at an average of 14.57  and a stunning strike rate of 11.0 makes Kagiso Rabada the bowler of IPL 2019. And watch him out against the duo of Rahul and Gayle as this should be an enticing contest.