KXIP vs DC: Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, Stats, Pitch Report and more for Dream11 IPL, Match 38

With 14 points in their bag, the Delhi Capitals have unofficially secured a place for themselves in the Playoffs.

Published - 20 Oct 2020, 00:27 IST | Updated - 20 Oct 2020, 00:27 IST

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It seems that the fate and fortunes of the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are turning the right side fast and quick. A win in arguably the best, the most nerve-sapping T20 game played in the history of the format, is certainly some way to notch up tanked morale. In what was an incredible mayhem, the Kings XI came out victorious in a double Super Over clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI) to keep their hopes alive. However, some misfortune and negligent cricket in the first half of the tournament has pushed them into a situation where every game for them has become a do-or-die event.

The IPL is still very much an eight-horse race, and with all the last four teams having 6 points in their kitty, KL Rahul won’t be wrong in fancying his chances to get into the playoffs as the last two stunning victories have promoted them to the sixth spot in the table. Despite KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal leading the charts of scoring the most runs, Punjab has only three wins to show in nine games. However, a firing Chris Gayle’s addition in their ranks has undoubtedly bolstered the team.

On the other hand, the Delhi Capitals have been exceptional this year. Despite missing out on major players in their ranks due to injury, they have not let themselves down and every player has contributed to their team’s victories. Much like their opponents, they are also coming after two wins on the bounce, the last of which was a dominating victory over the Chennai Super Kings courtesy of Shikhar Dhawan’s sensational 101-run knock that decimated the Men in Yellow as the Capitals bagged their seventh win of the season.

With 14 points in their bag, Shreyas Iyer’s men have unofficially secured a place for themselves in the Playoffs. Coming against them, KL Rahul does not have happy memories as their sorry story of 2020 started against this very team this year in their tournament opener when they botched up a chase and failed to get one run in three deliveries before eventually losing the game in a Super Over. The best way to move ahead, however, will be to shrug off the past and continue doing what the Kings XI have been doing in the last two games: winning.

Pitch and conditions

That the pitches have become slower needs no mention. Given that, it is not surprising that the teams batting second at Dubai have found scoring relatively tough than ones batting first. Dew has not played a major role at this venue, and the toss is going to play a crucial role in the game.

Playing Combinations for KXIP vs DC

Kings XI Punjab

There is nothing more, that the team can or should expect from the two men – KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal – working at the top. It is only disheartening to see that their toil is not reflected in the standing of KXIP on the table. Though Glenn Maxwell has produced contrasting results with the bat from the last time he came to the UAE, the team has backed him and utilized his spin bowling in the middle-overs. Gayle’s addition has boded well for the side, and Nicholas Pooran has been in good nick too.

The perennial problem of death bowling continues to haunt Punjab as apart from Mohammed Shami, none other has been able to step up and deliver. Chris Jordan has leaked runs more often than not. However, Arshdeep Singh has risen the ranks well to get his name noticed in a rather star-studded line-up.

Probable XI- KL Rahul (C & WK), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan, Murugan Ashwin/Krishnappa Gowtham, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh

Delhi Capitals

The roles for Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw seems to have changed as the former has been in burning hot form, whereas the latter has had a string of low scores in the recent games. Ajinkya Rahane, after warming the bench for long, has finally got a spot in the team due to Shimron Hetmyer and Rishabh Pant’s exclusion, although he has done little to make the most of the late chance he has got.

The ravaging duo of Kagiso Rabada – who is donning the Purple Cap – and Anrich Nortje has been at their best and have been well assisted by spinners Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel. Tushar Deshpande has been a great find for the tournament and looks to be a promising contender for the team.

Probable XI- Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane/Shimron Hetmyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey (WK)/Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin, Tushar Deshpande, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje