Overview-
TATA IPL 2022 has entered in what was expected when the concept of 10 teams was brought back in the league- a cut throat competition among many teams for slots in the playoffs. As of now, only 2 teams out of 10 have been eliminated with just 7 matches left to be played in the league stage.
Have a look at the points table, both PBKS & DC appear to stand in quite similar positions - 12 points in 12 matches with only NRR to differentiate between the two sides.
The outcome of the North Indian Derby is set to advantage one team hugely as far as the race for the playoffs is concerned, while the other will find it nearly an elimination. With a tentative form both teams have shown so far, fans can hope for a close contest on offer in a do-or-die match for either side.
Punjab Kings-
Equipped with hard hitters and a fine bowling unit at their disposal, it's been a roller coaster ride for PBKS so far. Lack of depth in the batting line up has been hindering their way to a perfect finish after a strong start. In bowling, they have two gun pacers in the form of Rabada & Arshdeep but their spin punt Rahul Chahar has failed to deliver as per expectations or how he did for Mumbai Indians in past years.
Since it is hard for them to add an extra batsman as it will weaken the bowling unit, a little more responsibility from their hard-hitting top order batsmen may lead PBKS to put better scores on the board.
Delhi Capitals-
David Warner is looking to continue with his good form and Mitchell Marsh has shown promise to do his job. Apart from the Aussie duo, the possible return of Prithvi Shaw will boost the batting line up hugely with blistering Pant and Powell are already there. Availability of the likes of Axar, Lalit and Shardul in the lower order left them with not much to worry about their batting.
Inconsistent bowlers have been the problem for DC. Kuldeep Yadav has taken wickets but he has done so at a very high rate. Shardul, too, has been proved to be very costly, though Khaleel Ahmed has done surprisingly well. If Anrich Nortje and Axar Patel have been able to find their forms, DC will look fine enough in bowling as well.
When and Where- 16 May 2022, 7:30 PM Onwards, DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai
What to expect- Both teams have won their previous games on this ground easily while chasing. Lack of dew in recent matches is a good sign for a good contest. Pitch has shown the tendency to be slow in the start and get better with the passage of time.
Approaching Milestones/Interesting Match-Ups
1. Kagiso Rabada needs three wickets to complete the landmark of 100 wickets in IPL
2. Rahul Chahar's leg spin has castled out Prithvi Shaw two times inside 8 balls, giving away just 5 runs.
3. Arshdeep Singh requires 1 wicket to complete 50 wickets in T20 cricket.
4. Axar Patel requires one wicket to complete 100 IPL wickets. He will be the second left arm spinner after Jadeja to do so.
Dream XI Team-
