Overview
As on 16th May 2023, Punjab Kings are placed a lowly eighth in the IPL 2023 points table with 12 points, while Delhi Capitals, their next opponents, are the bottom-placed side with a mere 8 points. But the competition for playoffs spots is so tight that if Punjab win their next game, they would leapfrog a few sides in the table.
It has been another of those up-and-down seasons for Punjab. Just when it seems as if they are on a downward slide, they keep themselves in the hunt with a win. In Punjab’s last game against Delhi, the spin duo of Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar played pivotal roles to help the side to a vital win.
Punjab might have to change their strategy when they take on the same side at Dharamsala, as the conditions would likely favour the batting side. Although with Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma and others in the side, Punjab have the required firepower for such conditions. Prabhsimran, in particular, is in very good touch, having scored a brilliant ton on a tricky pitch in the last game.
Meanwhile, the last-placed Delhi don’t have much to lose, and that could help them to pull one game back against Punjab. The biggest problem for the David Warner-led side has been their failure to fire collectively. The Delhi camp would be hoping for the likes of Warner, Axar Patel, Phil Salt and Mitchell Marsh to lift their game so that they can end the tournament on a high by winning their last two games.
Expected conditions
There could be some even bounce on offer, helping the batters from both sides to play through the line and on the up. It is set to be pleasant night, and the humidity is expected to be on the lower side. So, there is unlikely to be much dew.
Head-to-head
Punjab lead Delhi 16-15.
Impact Player and Possible XIs
Punjab might again look at Nathan Ellis as the impact sub. On the other hand, Delhi could opt for Manish Pandey or Chetan Sakariya.
Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Brar, Rishi Dhawan, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.
Delhi Capitals: David Warner (C), Phil Salt (WK), Mitchell Marsh, Rilee Rossouw, Axar Patel, Hakim Khan, Praveen Dubey, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed.