IPL 2020: Match 2, DC vs KXIP, Cricket Match Prediction – Who will win the match?

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) made bright starts to the 2018 and 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, the lost their ways midway and couldn’t even make the playoffs. But ahead of the ongoing season, they can take heart from the fact that the last time the IPL took place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), they made the finals where Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated them.

Their first match is against Shreyas Iyer’s Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Dubai International Stadium. The Capitals have loads of quality spinners in their ranks and beating them won’t be a walk in the park. The Capitals must be high on confidence after they made the Qualifier 2 last time around. Between DC and KXIP, no team have dominated the other and a cracker of a game can be expected on Sunday.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Dubai has been a sporting one over the years. Batters have made hay, but the bowlers, especially the spinners have had their say as well. Teams can afford to field first and check the nature of the surface. The conditions will be fairly warm with the temperature around the 34 degrees Celsius mark. The humidity will be in the mid-50s with minimum dew around.

Playing Combinations for today’s DC vs KXIP match

Delhi Capitals

Probable 11

Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw/Ajinkya Rahane, Shimron Hetmyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Harshal Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Sandeep Lamichhane, Amit Mishra.

Kings XI Punjab

Probable 11

KL Rahul (c), Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, Glenn Maxwell, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Krishnappa Gowtham, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Sheldon Cottrell/Chris Jordan.

Probable Top Performers for today’s DC vs KXIP match

Shikhar Dhawan– Delhi Capitals

Shikhar Dhawan was the Capitals’ leading run-scorer in 2019. Opening the batting, he managed 521 runs with as many as five half-centuries. A strike-rate of 135.67 meant that he didn’t go hammer and tongs, blending caution with aggression. He was also impressive in the 2018 Asia Cup, playing at the same venue. DC will be looking up to him for a decent start in the mandatory powerplay.

KL Rahul– Kings XI Punjab

KL Rahul has shouldered KXIP’s batting in the last two years. In 2018 and 2019, the right-hander racked up runs along with a century against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. It’s not a surprise that after Ravi Ashwin’s departure, the Punjab-based franchise gave him captaincy. It now remains to be seen whether or not, the added responsibility rubs positively on his batting.

Head to Head for DC vs KXIP

Overall

Played- 24 | DC won- 10 | KXIP won- 14

At neutral venues (outside India)

Played- 2 | DC won- 1 | KXIP won- 1

Average first innings score: 138 (Last four T20Is played at this venue)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 3, Tied – 0

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 06:00 PM local time, 07:30 PM IST

TV – Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Select, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 2 HD, Star Sports 1 Select HD, and Star Sports 1 HD Hindi.

Live Streaming – The match can be streamed online on Disney + Hotstar VIP.

The prediction is for Delhi Capitals to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.