A high voltage clash awaits Vizag as a high-flying KKR unit takes on DC in a mouth-watering contest. After having won 2 out of their 2 games, KKR come to the new home of the Capitals to make it three wins in a row, while DC also will have a winning momentum on their side after a terrific win over CSK the other night. Both teams will be eyeing to capitalize on the momentum they have gained and will be looking to bag another important win. The fans will be delighted to see a contest of two strong teams putting their A-game against each other.
HEAD TO HEAD:
It’s a tough fought battle when it comes to head-to-head records as KKR lead the scoreline 16-15 out of the 32 games played. Historically, DC-KKR games have always been close battles. Mind reminisces the close KKR win against DC in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2021 where KKR won off the second-last ball to qualify to the finale. The upcoming match will also be nothing short of a hard, tough battle of the two great teams.
PITCH & GROUND CONDITIONS:
Although, Vizag hasn’t been a consistent venue for IPL games, it has hosted quite a few matches in recent years. Traditionally, the pitch here has been on the flatter side with a par score of 160. However, the one game played this year saw the pitch getting suitable for the bowlers as the game progressed with a two-paced nature, spongy bounce and no signs of dew. The KKR spinners might be in for a real treat if the dew stays away and the pitch gets on the slower side as the game moves forward.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR:
Shreyas Iyer:
The Skipper of KKR scored a terrific knock in the last game to take his team home. A well-calculated innings mixed with caution & aggression must have given him a lot of confidence. Shreyas will be eyeing a big score against DC in Vizag and will be looking forward to steer KKR to their 3rd consecutive victory.
Venkatesh Iyer:
Venkatesh has become another important cog in KKR’s batting unit and has really honed his skills at number 3. A fearless and positive approach from the southpaw adds a distinct strength to KKR’s batting order and helps create a platform for the explosive middle to lower order. After scoring an excellent fifty against RCB the other night, Venkatesh will be looking forward to another big score against DC which would help KKR seal the victory.
Mitchell Starc:
Mitchell Starc has not quite come to the party yet this season but his experience is second to none and the veteran will be looking to make a strong impact in the upcoming game against DC. The previous game played in Vizag saw some swing on offer for the fast bowlers, which will make Starc a lethal weapon against DC. All eyes will be on him to deliver an impactful performance.
KEY MATCHUPS:
Sunil Narine vs Rishabh Pant:
A key matchup will be the one between Rishabh Pant who returned to form in the last game and the evergreen Sunil Narine who has the most wickets(25) in the DC-KKR rivalry. An important battle where Pant will look to capitalize in the middle overs while Narine will be eyeing the wicket of the DC skipper to put KKR ahead.
Phil Salt vs Anrich Nortje
A fiery battle awaits Vizag between two aggressive cricketers. Phil Salt has displayed his lethal batting skills in the powerplay in the last couple of games where he’s taken full toll of the fast bowlers while Anrich Nortje has been rattling the batters stumps with his pace for quite a while now. It promises to be a battle of fire vs fire where Salt continue to attack while Nortje will be eyeing his wicket with his sheer pace.
Thus, with that being said, an exciting contest awaits in Vizag where two fired up units face each other as DC look to make it 2 wins in a row while KKR look to stay unbeaten in the tournament and go up to the top of the points table. Lots to look forward to from this DC-KKR contest this evening.
