Match 22, IPL 2018: Kings XI Punjab Defend A Low Total In This Nail-Biter Of A Match

The second match between Delhi and Punjab, this time in Delhi’s den Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. The much-anticipated Match 22 of IPL 2018 between Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab. Once again Punjab defeated Delhi and makes it to top of the table. Last time these two teams met, Punjab won by 6 wickets.

Preview

A lot was expected from Delhi Daredevils this season, but they have certainly disappointed with some rather sloppy performances. Can they make amends in this match? Delhi will up against a deadly Punjab batting line-up who have certainly impressed in this edition of the IPL. Can Punjab win against Delhi today?

Delhi Win The Toss And Elect To Field

The Delhi based team wins the toss and elects to field this time around. The super batsman has been in top form this IPL. He will be the most feared player on the pitch today without a doubt. Can we expect a Rahul masterclass tonight?

Punjab Batting

Despite a decent start by Punjab, they lost KL Rahul rather early which is why they certainly slowed down later on. Karun Nair was the only standalone batsman for Punjab who scored a respectable 34 runs in 32 balls in route to Punjab’s total of 143 for the loss of 8 wickets after 20 overs. KXIP will be disappointed with the total as it’s below par even on this slow surface.

Delhi Bowling

Delhi’s bowling has been splendid from the very start itself. The early wicket of KL Rahul certainly turned things in Delhi’s favor. Lian Plunkett was their star bowler as he got 3 wickets giving away just 17 runs in his 4 overs. Delhi who managed to shut out Punjab to a paltry score of just 143 for the loss of 8 wickets after 20 overs. Can Delhi win this match?

Delhi Batting

Prithvi Shaw gave DD a good start as he scored 22 in just 10 balls but the team lost quick early wickets. Despite Shreyas Iyer all the batsmen found it difficult to get in and start scoring. Iyer took it right down to the wire but Delhi lost it off the last balls where 5 runs were needed. This keeps Delhi at the bottom of the table making it their 5th loss in 6 games.

Punjab Bowling

Despite a deadly bowling line-up, Punjab has not been able to contain Delhi so far in the initial stages of the match. Both Tye and Rajpoot have taken two wickets apiece and bowled economically. Sran took 3 wickets but was on the expensive side. It was Kings XI Punjab who held their nerves to win this nail-biter off the last ball. Kings XI go on top with this victory.

Man Of The Match

It was Ankit Rajpoot who bowled brilliantly as he got 2 wickets giving away just 23 runs in his 4 overs.