IPL 2021 preview: Punjab Kings looks to ride on new-found momentum to outsmart Delhi Capitals

The Indian Premier League 2021 is producing entertainment in almost every game. In a similar expectation, Match 29 would witness a lash between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Both teams are in the hunt for their maiden IPL title. While PBKS is fighting for it, DC looks like a favourite for the final. As both teams are set to produce a thriller on Sunday, we present the match preview.

Current form
Both sides have played seven games so far, with a contrast. PBKS has won three, while with four losses, it is placed on fifth. As for DC, it has been commendable, winning five, while along with a couple of losses, it is at the second spot.

Team combination
Considering the squads, PBKS has a balanced one in terms of numbers. However, considering its capped recruits, it dominates the batting. Furthermore, the lethal form of skipper KL Rahul and Chris Gayle makes it even interesting for the side.

As for DC, it is evenly balanced as well. However, with more capped talents in the batting, it would take a monumental effort from the PBKs bowlers to stop the flow of the runs. Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer are the ones who are in deadly form.

Injury concerns
There are no injury concerns for either side. However, DC would be without veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who is on a break due to personal reasons.

Head-to-head
The 27 games between the two have seen PBKS gaining the upper hand, with 15 wins, while DC has won 12. Of the 23 matches in India, PBKS leads 13-10, while they clash for the first time in Ahmedabad.

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Weather and pitch report
The weather in Ahmedabad would again be hot, with a temperature of 41 degrees and a humidity of 25%. As for the track, it would be slightly slow, with a score of around 160-170 being competitive. Meanwhile, the dew factor is likely to make the toss-winning side bowl first.

Probable XI
PBKS: KL Rahul (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Chris Jordan, Jhye Richardson, Ravi Bishnoi and Mohammed Shami.
DC: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steven Smith, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma and Avesh Khan.

Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Gayle, Dhawan (vc), Shahrukh, Shaw- Dhawan is sure to give a booming start, while Shaw can score at number three, followed by Gayle at number four. Meanwhile, Shahrukh can consolidate in the middle. Meanwhile, Dhawan's consistency makes him the deputy skipper.
Wicketkeepers: Rahul (c), Pant- Both the men are no-brainers here for their consistent run-scoring form, while Rahul's reliability makes him the skipper. 
All-rounders: Hooda, Lalit- While Hooda has been effective with the bat, besides being tide economic with the ball, Lalit is sure to deliver in the latter.
Bowlers: Shami, Avesh, Brar- Shami and Avesh have been doing decently with the pace, while spinner Brar is likely to be a surprise package.

Match details
Date and day: May 2, 2021 (Sunday)
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar

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