IPL 2020, Match 16 preview: DC vs KKR- Team analysis, along with Fantasy XI
Both Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders are off to a decent start, so far, in the Indian Premier League, having won two games each, besides losing one. While DC are placed in the second spot, KKR are placed third. KKR have won the title on two occasions.
FollowIn what could be considered as one of the most unpredictable clashes, Delhi Capitals (DC) are all set to face former champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 16 of the open-ended Indian Premier League (IPL). The match will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Ground on Saturday, with both the teams eyeing the top spot in the table.
Both the teams are off to a fair start in the tournament, having won a couple and losing one in their respective three matches, so far. In a match that could prove to be a run-feast, we present the match preview, along with the best Fantasy XI.
Team composition
Undoubtedly, DC are one of the most star-studded sides in the tournament, as they have top players in all the departments. As for KKR, they have a balanced side, with a special focus on youth talent, who can certainly prove to be dangerous.
Current form
Both the sides have had a similar share of luck, so far, in the matches played. While DC are coming off their opening loss of the season to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), KKR scripted a terrific win over Rajasthan Royals (RR). Come Saturday, both the teams would be high in confidence, with KKR marginally having the upper hand.
Head-to-head
The two teams have clashed on 25 occasions to date, with KKR having the upper hand, as they have won on 13 occasions, while DC have won 11 times. Both have had a game being abandoned. As for the IPL, both have fought 24 times, with KKR winning 13 and DC winning 10. The sides have also battled in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on an occasion, with DC claiming the win.
Weather and pitch report
Sharjah happens to be a desert area, as the temperature is likely to be around 36 degrees, with humidity expected to be around 57%. Unlike other venues in the UAE, the pitch here is expected to be a flat one, as was evident in the previous matches. Furthermore, the shorter boundaries are likely to make the content a slug-fest.
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Predicted XI
DC: Rishabh Pant (wk), Alex Carey, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Marcus Stoinis, Keemo Paul, Kagiso Rabada.
KKR: Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Kamlesh Nagarkoti.
Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Rahane, Iyer, Shaw, Gill, Morgan- The flat track is certain to make it the batsman's night, as Shaw and Gill as openers would do wonders, followed by Rahane, Iyer and Morgan, who can give stability in the middle-order. Gill's flawless form makes him the captain.
Wicketkeeper: Pant- While he is careless at hitting shots, he would fancy his chances at Sharjah, thanks to the shorter boundaries.
All-rounders: Stoinis, Russell- Both men are in fine form, and would fire in all departments, especially with the bat. Russell qualifies as the vice-captain, as he is likely to go all guns blazing.
Bowlers: Rabada, Mavi, Cummins- The reason why we have gone against spinners is that they will have a near-zero impact on the flat track. Thus, for the pacers, Rabada, Mavi and Cummins qualify, for their fiery form of late.
Players to watch out
Gill: The opener has been in fine form for KKR right from the start, as fans would expect him to give a firm start, once again.
Pant: As explained above in the Fantasy XI, eyes would be upon him, especially on this track.
Russell: A no-brainer in this tie. Known for his hard-hitting abilities, it would be mouth-watering to watch Russell put on a show in Sharjah.
Rabada: If there is any bowler who can make an impact, it's Rabada. He is primarily known for his death-bowling and would be of no surprise if he rattles batsmen out in the closing stages.
