IPL 2016 Match 7, DD vs KXIP Playing 11: List of today’s probable XIs for Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab

Things did not start well for Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab in their IPL campaign as they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Lions respectively. But later today these two sides will face each other in Delhi to look for that first win. Delhi Daredevils were looking out of sorts in their first match at the Eden Gardens while Kings XI Punjab were defeated by a confident Gujarat side.

Delhi Daredevils were put in bat by KKR in the first match and the batting line-up failed to impress as they were bundled out for a meagre score of 98. South African Quinton de Kock(17) top-scored for them but promising youngsters like Mayank Agarwal, Shreyas Iyer and Karun Nair failed at the top which made things difficult for DD.

Sanju Samson and Pawan Negi tried to score some runs but they were removed by experienced Brad Hogg. Another factor for DD’s poor show was the failure of all-rounders like Carlos Brathwaite and Chris Morris. Defending a low score of 98 is not an easy job and DD bowlers tried hard but could manage to get just one wicket. Amit Mishra was the lone successful bowler as we saw Zaheer Khan, who returned to cricket, struggle with his line.

Talking about Punjab’s first match, KXIP lost the toss and were sent in to bat first. Manan Vohra and Murali Vijay gave them a solid start of 78 runs but KXIP batting faltered after that. Ravindra Jadeja removed the openers and the explosive pair of Miller-Maxwell failed to score big runs. While captain Miller made 15 runs, Maxwell just managed 2. Wriddhiman Saha and Marcus Stoinis added important runs in the end but they were not enough. In the bowling front, KXIP are lacking a leader. They have Mitchell Johnson, but he did not impress in the first match. If KXIP have to win matches, their bowling department has to put its hand up and pick wickets. Let’s have a quick look how these two teams might line-up today.

Delhi Daredevils: The first match was a disaster for DD and they would like to forget that as quickly as possible. While their batting line-up looks settled they are inexperienced, which might be a problem. The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair have the talent but need to deliver it consistently. They have big-hitters like Pawan Negi and Carlos Brathwaite in the middle so as far as the batting goes, they look settled. Bowling too has got a lot of experience with the likes of Zaheer Khan, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Amit Mishra but removing wickets is the main thing. JP Duminy is still a doubt for this match. Imran Tahir might get a game and it would be interesting to see who he would replace.

Kings XI Punjab: Kings XI Punjab have the best power hitters in the business and if they have a good day, no team can stop them from winning. Openers looked solid in the first match and would look to do the same today. Sandeep Sharma did swing the ball and a lot would be expected from him and Mitchell Johnson. They have Mohit Sharma with them and it would be interesting to see if KXIP play three seamers on this track or include Gurkeerat Singh Mann, who can spin the ball and bat decently as well. Axar Patel and Pardeep Sahu would play an important role. Shaun Marsh might play in this match and if that happens, Marcus Stoinis would have to sit out for this match.

Teams (Predicted XI):Delhi Daredevils:Mayank Agarwal, Quinton de Kock(wk), Shreyas Iyer, Karun Nair, Sanju Samson, Pawan Negi, Carlos Brathwaite, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Amit Mishra, Zaheer Khan(Captain), Imran Tahir.

Kings XI Punjab:Murali Vijay, Manan Vohra, David Miller(Captain), Glenn Maxwell, Wriddhiman Saha(wk), Shaun Marsh, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Axar Patel, Mitchell Johnson, Pardeep Sahu, Sandeep Sharma.