IPL 2018, DD vs KXIP: 3 things that went right for KXIP against DD

The 22nd match of the IPL 2018 concluded as Kings XI Punjab emerged victoriously after defeating the Delhi Daredevils by four runs.

KXIP struggled with the bat to score against DD's bowling line-up without Chris Gayle and their other star batsmen. They managed to put just 143 runs on the board and it seemed like they were on the course of their second defeat of the season.

However, the bowlers did remarkably well and restricted DD to 139 runs. It was KXIP's fifth win out of their six matches in the current season and they are now at the top of the points table with 10 points.

While KXIP accounts for a hard-earned win, let us look at the three main things that went right for them in their win against the DD.

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#3 Mujeeb's first spell

The Afghani spinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman is probably the find of the season and is performing brilliantly for KXIP since day one.

He was introduced into the attack by the skipper, Ashwin in the ninth over of the match and the teen-sensation paid his captain's trust and clean bowled the highly-rated Rishabh Pant in the very first bowl of his spell.

DD's batsmen found it difficult to read his deliveries and scored just five runs in the first two overs. His economical bowing put pressure on DD's batsmen and they didn't settle into the match from that moment.

KXIP's skipper, Ashwin gave him the duty to bowl the final over of the match and he kept his temperament in the nervy moments of the match to give his team a four-run win.

#2 Their bowling in the death overs

Kings XI Punjab bowlers bowled well during the death overs.

With every match, KXIP bowlers have kept on improving and bowled really well in the opening weeks of the tournament. Afghanistan's spinner, Mujeeb Ur Rahman is the find of the season and the young spin sensation is one of the best performers in their team.

Andrew Tye, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ankit Rajpoot are also doing their part well for the team and it is safe to say that they finally got a stable bowling unit. Bowling was considered to be KXIP's weakness prior to the tournament and many tipped them to struggle with their bowling line-up.

KXIP's bowlers got a difficult task to defend a total of 143 against DD, nevertheless, they were successful in defending it. Their spinners and pacers, all performed brilliantly and got the early wickets which put pressure on DD's batting line-up. They bowled well in the death overs as well and didn't let DD's batsmen settle in the match.

Andrew Tye particularly went for just 12 runs in his last two overs and Barinder Sran, despite being hammered in his first three overs went for just 4 runs in his final over which was also the 19th over of Delhi's innings.

#1 Ashwin's captaincy

Ashwin impressed with his leadership qualities.

It is hard to believe that Ravichandran Ashwin is leading a side for the first time in the IPL. The former Chennai Super Kings spinner was appointed as the new captain of KXIP at the start of the season and this decision raised a few eyebrows as he was selected ahead of more experienced candidates.

Prior to the match, KXIP won four of their five matches, however, this time they were in their weakest condition as they set a target of only 143 runs for DD. It was a massive test of Ashwin's leadership skills and delivery at the difficult situation.

He used his bowlers well and took the responsibility in his own hand when it needed to be. His decision to hand the bowl to Barinder Sran in the 19th over was the turning point in the match. He conceded just four runs in his last over after being expensive in his first three overs.

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