IPL 2022: Match 64 – Predicted Punjab Kings Playing XI vs Delhi Capitals

Punjab Kings (PBKS) has six wins in 12 league matches and are at the seventh position in the IPL 2022 points table. They won their last league match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 54 runs, after they posted a total of 209 runs on the board.

In their next league game, they will be up against the challenge of Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 16 at DY Patil Sports Academy. For this fixture, the team management is not expected to change their winning combination, who secured a terrific victory. This league game will be crucial for both the teams to remain in the hunt for the playoffs spot.

Here’s a look at the Punjab Kings predicted XI against DC:

Openers: Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan

One of the most solid opening pairs in the tournament had been average with their partnerships until the last outing, where they stitched a 60-run stand in a matter of five overs, which laid a strong platform for the team to post a strong total on the board.

The Englishman Jonny Bairstow has been impressive with his contributions in the recent two league matches. In the last outing, he delivered a terrific knock of 66 off 29 balls, with seven sixes, and registered his top score in the ongoing season. In nine innings, he has garnered 202 runs at a strike rate of 139.31.

On the other hand, Dhawan’s latest three scores are read as 21, 12, and 62*, which depicts inconsistency after a solid first half with the bat and the need to return to form in this crucial fixture. In 12 appearances, the southpaw has scored 402 runs at a strike rate of 122.94.

Middle-order: Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mayank Agarwal (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk)

The Lankan batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa has done well on most occasions after returning to the Playing XI. He has scored 68 runs in the last three games, but could only contribute one run in the last game, and has a scope for improvement.

Captain Mayank Agarwal swapped his position with Bairstow and is coming at the number four position. However, his form has been a major concern for the team, wherein he has scored only 195 runs at a strike rate of 126.62. Although he was looking good in the last game but perished for 19 off 16 after being deceived by a slower ball.

The wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma has contributed 171 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 167.65, with a top score of 38*. Although he has done well in terms of providing a flourish, he still needs to maintain consistency.

All-rounders: Liam Livingstone and Rishi Dhawan

This department consists of talented players with a good experience in T20 cricket over the years. The powerful striker, Liam Livingstone can adapt to any situation or the batting position, which has been displayed in his performances in this format.

In the last game, Livingstone smashed 70 off 42 balls, comprising four sixes, which paved way for the Kings to go past the score of 200. In 12 appearances, he has 385 runs at a strike rate of 180.75 and has picked up three wickets.

The fast-bowling all-rounder Rishi Dhawan picked up two wickets in the last game and gave 36 runs. So far, Dhawan has 33 runs with the bat at an average of 33, and six wickets at an economy of 8.18.

Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh

In the bowling unit, the team can keep the same combination of two pacers and two spinners, which provided them a fine balance in the last league match. The Protea fast bowler Kagiso Rabada is the leading wicket-taker for the team with 21 wickets in 11 matches at an economy of 8.39. In the last outing, he finished with 3/21 in four overs and would look to continue the same form.

The pacer Arshdeep Singh has been impactful with his bowling performances. Although he has been able to secure only seven wickets, he has an economy of 7.69 and has put brakes on the opposition.

The key spinner Rahul Chahar has not returned with expected performances but has 14 wickets in 12 league matches with an economy of 7.99. On the other hand, Harpreet Brar returned in the last league match and finished with 1/31 in four overs, and is expected to retain his place.

PBKS’ predicted playing XI for the DC clash: Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mayank Agarwal (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh