Indian Premier League 2019 Match 13, Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Capitals: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Pre-tournament polls had Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals propping the IPL 2019, but the early signs are that, this season, something is different. They are both on the top half of the table – having each played three matches – and are both level on four points. Delhi’s better net run-rate has lifted them to No.2.

Both sides strengthened during the auctions in December and in Delhi’s case, underwent a complete rebrand. It’s all certainly helped. Punjab head into the game after seeing off by a comfortable eight wickets. Delhi, meanwhile, tamed the table toppers, getting the better of Kolkata Knight Riders in a high-scoring thriller that went to the Super Over.

It’s what makes this clash between to resurgent sides that much more interesting, with both camps likely to be buzzing.

There is home form to consider though – Punjab like playing here, and have won five in a row at this venue. Delhi, meanwhile, ground out victory against Kolkata – the sort of victory they have noticeably failed to get in seasons past – and they will look to carry forward that momentum here.

With batsmen expected to do well on this surface, it may all well come down to how well the bowlers fare.

Head to head

Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals (Daredevils) have clashed 22 times over the years. Punjab have fared better in their clashes, with 13 wins to Delhi’s 9.

In fact, in their last three encounters, two of which were in Mohali, Punjab came out winners. Delhi last beat Punjab in the 2017 edition of the tournament.

Key players

Chris Gayle (Punjab):Gayle hasn’t quite rediscovered his stop-me-if-you-can form of his best years at Royal Challengers Bangalore, but he has been consistently giving Punjab starts this year. He scored 40 against Mumbai Indians and there was a 79 in the opener against Rajasthan. On a friendly surface in Mohali, more of the same is expected from the universe boss.

Prithvi Shaw (Delhi):The youngster was unlucky to miss out on a century against Kolkata – he was dismissed for 99. But he displayed excellent batsmanship to get there, and he was so exuberant in the sidelines during Delhi’s chase, you get the feeling he is really part of this set-up. He’ll want more runs.

Likely XIs

Kings XI Punjab:Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (wk), Mayank Agarwal, David Miller, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, R Ashwin (c), Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, M Ashwin, Mohammed Shami Andrew Tye

Delhi Capitals: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Colin Ingram, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hanuma Vihari, Chris Morris, Harshal Patel, Amit Mishra, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kagiso Rabada

Prediction

Punjab to make it four in a row against Delhi at home