KXIP vs DC IPL 2019 Preview: Can Punjab restrict a confident DC

After a stunning win against KKR, Delhi Capitals will be high on confidence while Punjab too will be feeling good as their batsmen have dominated oppositions so far.

But this contest will be more about Punjab’s pace bowling versus Delhi’s batting might and this may well decide the fate of the match in IPL 2019.

Venue:

The Mohali wicket should be a good one to bat as the surface allows the ball to come nicely on the bat. However provided that, bowlers can make some noise by bending their backs and using the little assistance available to gain some movement.

Interestingly, from 2017, this venue has the second best strike-rate for batsmen among all IPL venues.

Good wins are a result of perfect practice! ?

Here's a look back to some training drills at #QilaKotla! ?#ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/LUMqDsECnw

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 31, 2019

Form guide:

Delhi had an erratic start to the tournament but in the last game, a mesmerising 99-run innings by Prithvi Shaw and some exceptional bowling by Kagiso Rabada won them a Super Over against KKR.

This should pump their confidence and give them an edge in this match.

KL Rahul is back in form while Gayle and Agarwal have continued the good show.  The spin department looks fine but the big concern is their pace bowling unit which has had an inconsistent run so far.

It's Matchday in Mohali! ?

2⃣ lagataar wins chahiye, toh #RoarMacha! ?#ThisIsNewDelhi #DelhiCapitals #KXIPvDC #IPL2019 #IPL pic.twitter.com/j8Sg7JKHEm

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 1, 2019

Key Numbers:

• Punjab have won all their previous five matches at this venue and they should fancy their chances again as they have a power-packed batting line-up. In head-to-head battles, Punjab leads 13-9.

• This is a bat first venue. In the last fourteen matches here, targets have been chased successfully only four times.

Also read: Where to Watch KXIP vs DC, IPL 2019 Match, Live Streaming and TV Info

Players in focus:

Murugan Ashwin had a great day in office in the match against Mumbai Indians. And now he can play another crucial role for Punjab. Prithvi Shaw, who is in good touch is vulnerable against spinners that turn the ball away from him. He averages 14.30 against them and has strike rate of just 130. So M Ashwin might be seen with the new ball at Mohali.

Also read: KXIP vs DC Dotball Prediction | IPL Preview | Team News & Fantasy Team

KL Rahul and Chris Gayle are emerging as one of the most dangerous opening pairs in IPL 2019. And Delhi has more reasons to be wary of them as they love batting at Mohali. Their average partnership score is 53.8 here and out of their eight fifty-plus partnerships, six have been weaved here.