The Kings XI Punjab will be looking to get their 2017 IPL season back on track as they take on Delhi Daredevils– who are currently struggling at the bottom of points table– in Mohali on Sunday. Punjab had a good start to the season with back to back wins against Rising Pune Supergiant and Royal Challengers Bangalore. But since then they have only managed to pick up two points only once– against Gujarat Lions.
Punjab currently have six points, four less than the team in fourth position and they really need to pick up some points to make it to the play-offs. The match against Delhi provides them with an opportunity to do exactly that.
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In the head to head comparison between the two teams, Punjab have won 10 matches out of a total 19 played but they lost to Delhi in four of the last five matches played, including the 51 run hammering earlier in the season.
Delhi are low on confidence at the moment having lost their last four matches. Punjab need to make the most of it. The only positive that came out of their previous match, which they lost against the Sunrisers Hyderabad by 26 runs, was Shaun Marsh's form. He looked like he is back to his best again. The Australian hit 84 from just 50 balls and a similar performance will be needed from him today.
The likes of Manan Vohra, Glenn Maxwell and Eoin Morgan have shown glimpses of what they are capable of in the IPL but the trio need to step up and be a lot more consistent for Punjab for the rest of the season.
The good news for Punjab is that Hashim Amla could play after suffering a hamstring injury. West Indian all-rounder Darren Sammy could also make his way into the starting 11 after missing the first three weeks due to injury.
Delhi are definitely going to suffer another defeat if they do not bring their A game against Punjab. Coached by Indian legend Rahul Dravid, Delhi have some of the most promising players in their squad in Sanju Samson, Karun Nair, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant, but they have not been able to perform to the best of their abilities this season.
Delhi have already proved that they have what it takes to win matches. DD's performance against Pune is a case in point. Samson scored a superb102 in the match. The 23-year old has been one of their most consistent performers this season.
The likes of Nair, Iyer and Pant have also been good with the bat this season but they lack consistency and that needs to change if Delhi are to change their fortunes in the coming matches. In the bowling department, the likes of Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada and captain Zaheer Khan will be expected to deliver. Carlos Brathwaite could get back into the starting 11 for Delhi and given his power hitting abilities and bowling skills, he will certainly play a big part for them.
Where to watch
The IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils is set to start at 4 pm IST.
TV and live streaming information
India: TV: Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD, Sony Max. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
International: Live Streaming: Cricketgateway.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Online.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 3HD. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports.
Africa: TV: SuperSport Two. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
Middle East: TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD. Live Streaming: OSN Play.
