Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Indian Premier League (IPL), Today Match Prediction 30 Mar 2019

dc vs kkr Match Prediction & Analysis

Hosts Delhi Capitals will look to turn their fortunes around when they will face table-leaders Kolkata Knight Riders in the 10th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Delhi on Saturday.

In their previous game, Delhi Capitals suffered their first defeat of the season against Chennai Super Kings. Captain Shreyas Iyer will be hoping that the side can make a strong comeback in their home fixture against in-form Kolkata Knight Riders.

On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders have got off to a perfect start with two wins in a row. Captain Dinesh Karthik will be pleased with his side’s performance in the first two games played in this year’s competition. Certainly, Kolkata will face their toughest challenge in Delhi Capitals, who will be playing in their backyard.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Delhi Capitals Preview

The franchise will be looking to make a strong comeback in front of their home crowds against Kolkata Knight Riders. Shreyas Iyer and co. will be keen to bring their A-game to the table in this contest.

In the batting department, the home side will be heavily depending on Captain Shreyas Iyer, who so far has scored 34 runs in 2 matches at an average of 17.00, and wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who scored 103 runs with one half-century to his name.

Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan found form with the bat and scored 51 off 47 balls with the help of seven boundaries. Dhawan will be looking to get Delhi off to a good start against Kolkata. Left-hander has been a proven match-winner in the T20 format and will be keen to make a strong statement at his home ground.

Colin Ingram and Prithvi Shaw have also scored runs for Delhi Capitals in the two games played so far. In the bowling department, the dependency on the likes of Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada and Amit Mishra to produce crucial breakthroughs with the ball in hand. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra bowled well against Chennai and finished with two wickets to his name.

Delhi Capitals Predicted Playing XI:

Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Colin Ingram, Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tewatia, Kemo Paul, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra.

Delhi Capitals Actual Playing XI:

Colin Ingram, Sandeep Lamichhane, H Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, Harshal Patel, Amit Mishra, Chris Morris, Prithvi Shaw, Kagiso Rabada, Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan

Kolkata Knight Riders Preview

On the other hand, Kolkata is certainly looking the team of the tournament, and has emerged as a strong contender for the title. The franchise is clearly leading the way in the league table with four points to their name. 

In the batting department, the team will be depending on opening batsman Robin Uthappa, who has contributed significantly to the team’s cause by scoring 102 runs in 2 matches at an average of 102.00. Middle-order batsman Nitish Rana has also shown excellent form with the bat and so far scored 131 runs at an average of 65.50. Kolkata was able to post a mammoth total on the board courtesy of 110-run partnership between Uthappa and Rana against Kings XI Punjab.

The side will have concerns over the form of Chris Lynn, who hasn’t done much with the bat in the first two games. Captain Dinesh Karthik has truly lead from the front and made some excellent decisions on the field in the initial games played in the competition.

All-rounder Andre Russell produced a late blitz against Kings XI Punjab to see Kolkata post 218 runs from their 20 overs. Russell smashed 48 off just 17 balls with the help of three fours and five sixes. He also has claimed four wickets so far this season for Kolkata Knight Riders.

In the bowling department, the team will be relying on the likes of Lockie Ferguson and Andre Russell to deliver breakthroughs with the new-ball. The spin trio of Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav and Sunil Narine will need to pick up wickets in this game. Rookie medium-pacer Prasidh Krishna was expensive in the game played against Kings XI.

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI:

Dinesh Karthik (c &wk), Robin Uthappa, Chris Lynn, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Prasidh Krishna, Shubham Gill, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson.

Kolkata Knight Riders Actual Playing XI:

RV Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik, Shubman Gill, Chris Lynn, Kuldeep Yadav, NS Naik, Nitish Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Lockie Ferguson, Piyush Chawla, Andre Russell

Weather Conditions

The pitch prepared for the game will provide an even contest between bat and ball. The quick bowlers will get some lateral movement off the surface. The weather forecast for the game on Saturday will be clear skies.

Venue

Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi will host all the home fixtures for Delhi Capitals this season. Delhi Capitals lost their last home fixture to Chennai Super Kings.  Kolkata Knight Riders have a good head-to-head record against Delhi Capitals at this venue.

Toss: To Bowl

The side that wins the toss would be like to bowl first and restrict the opposing team to a modest score. Certainly, spinners will get some assistance off the pitch and will play a big role in this contest. Batting second is way to go here at this venue.