Match 14: KXIP v/s PW Preview

Game 14 of the ongoing IPL-5 will see old adversaries Sourav Ganguly and Adam Gilchrist go head to head for the second time in four days as Kings XI Punjab take on the Pune Warriors at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali today. Having played two games each this season, the two teams will bring contrasting sets of motivation into the game. While Pune Warriors will look to extend their winning streak, Kings XI Punjab, playing the first home game of the season, will be desperate for a win to bring their campaign back on track.

The hosts have not been able to set things rolling for them and their batsmen, particularly the top order, has been guilty of not laying a strong foundation. They started off with a 31-run defeat against the Rajasthan Royals before going down to Pune by 22 runs in their second match. With the line-up looking a bit iffy, the team management might decide to bring Shaun Marsh back into the XI at the expense of English all rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas.

Sourav Ganguly, on the other hand, has marshaled his troops brilliantly and shown why he is regarded as one of India’s best skipper. He will be looking to keep the winning habit going for the side and make it three wins out of three.

The track at Mohali is considered to be one of the most sporting tracks in the country and despite being tilted in favor of batsmen for the Twenty20 tie, expect good bounce and carry for bowlers willing to bend their back.

Head to Head

The history is also against the home side who have lost to Pune in all their previous three meetings, the most recent being the 22-run defeat at the brand new Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium in Pune last Sunday.

Players to Watch out for:

Kings XI Punjab:

Adam Gilchrist: The hard hitting former Aussie wicket-keeper has shown signs of his old destructive self, but hasn’t been able to stay in the middle long enough to make a match winning contribution. If the skipper manages to survive the initial spell, he can cause mayhem in the opposition camp.

David Hussey: With his ability to bat as per the situation, this Twenty20 specialist can prove to be a very dangerous customer, especially towards the end of the innings. Plus the fact that he can contribute with the ball and his electric fielding makes him a high impact player.

Piyush Chawla: The leg spinner has gone unnoticed in the first two games but given the kind of talent he possesses, it would be fatal to overlook the youngster. The bounce in the wicket at the PCA stadium can become his ally and along with his variations, Chawla can play a defining role in the match.

Pune Warriors:

Ashok Dinda: The IPL provides an opportunity to the fringe Indian players to showcase their talent and Dinda has made the right noises so far. His timely wickets and economical spells have served the team very well and the pace and carry at Mohali gives him a chance to enhance his reputation.

Steve Smith: The utility all-rounder from Australia seems to be in good touch and has made his presence felt in the IPL already. The Warriors would want him to continue in the same vein as they attempt to win their third game on the trot.

Robin Uthappa: The dashing right-hander has been amongst the runs but hasn’t been setting the field on fire the way he is known to. The true nature of the pitch should be to his liking and will give him a chance to free his arms.

Match Prediction:

With the lack of depth in the bowling ranks, the onus will be on the Punjab batsmen to plan the innings and post a healthy total on the board. But based on current form, despite not having the home advantage, Pune Warriors will start as favorites.

Other articles that might interest you :

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/08/master-in-making-from-mumbai/

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/08/the-problem-with-ipl/