Delhi Daredevils, who have lost 11 matches on the trot in the Indian Premier League, will look to come back strongly against Kings XI Punjab at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Catch live updates and live scores here: (LIVE Scorecard | Photos | Videos | Schedule )
Kings XI Punjab have a superb mix of Indian youth and international experience.
© PTI
Delhi Daredevils completely revamped their squad after two disastrous seasons in the Indian Premier League. Some big names were dropped to make way for Yuvraj Singh, Albie Morkel, Angelo Mathews, Zaheer Khan and Amit Mishra. JP Duminy, who was Delhi's most successful batsman last year took over as skipper and with Gary Kirsten as coach, a much better start to the 2015 was expected. But that has not happened yet and Delhi find themselves on the verge of the most number of defeats on-the-trot.
Delhi's two defeats against Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, have however, not been overwhelming. Their big names have almost come to the party but failed to make any significant impact. Morkel was heroic against the Super Kings and Imran Tahir tried his best against the Royals. But the team has still not earned its first points. Against a well-settled Kings XI Punjab, it could be even more difficult.
Completely different from the Daredevils, Kings XI have had a dream run. Packed with power-hitters and venomous pacers, the George Bailey-led team has been spectacular. Punjab were runners-up last year and have played some great cricket this year. The likes of Virender Sehwag, David Miller, Glenn Maxwell, Bailey and Mitchell Johnson add incredible balance to a side that has some exciting young Indian talent. Such is the team's depth, that Shaun Marsh, their highest run-getter in the IPL, has had to sit out.
But it could eventually turn out to be a clash between Yuvraj and Johnson.Yuvraj was bought for a record Rs 16 crore but so far he has only managed 9 and 27. India's 2011 World Cup hero will need to regain some of his old touch and inspire the Daredevils to come up with a special effort tonight.
Yuvraj and Johnson can turn a match on its head on their day and the former would be itching to have a go at the Aussie tearaway. Will they make it a clash worth remembering for a long time?
Yuvraj Singh's form will be crucial for the Daredevils tonight.
© BCCI
Stats
- Delhi Daredevils have lost eleven consecutive games between May 3, 2014 and April 12, 2015, emulating, an unwanted IPL record held by Pune Warriors between April 24, 2012 and April 7, 2013.
- Shaun Marsh is just 27 runs short of becoming the first KXIP batsman to score 2000 IPL runs. But he's not assured of a place in the playing XI. Another KXIP left-hander, David Miller has smashed 1133 runs
- Yuvraj's form is a major concern for DD. He has scored 86 runs in his six previous IPL matches. He has scored 9 and 27 for Delhi so far in his debut season with them
Match Preview
Still searching for a win in IPL 8 after two near misses, Delhi Daredevils take on an upbeat Kings XI Punjab in their third game of the Twenty20 cricket league, here on Wednesday. After losing their opening encounter to Chennai Super Kings by a mere run, the Jean-Paul Duminy-led side was undone by Rajasthan Royals by 3 wickets in their backyard at the Feroz Shah Kotla and their win-less run was stretched to 11 games for over two seasons in the cash-rich league. (Read More )
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