The Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 64 of IPL 2022 on 16 May, at Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
Put simply, this is a must win game for both teams. Lose and their playoff hopes are effectively over for another year. Even a win might not be enough depending on other results, but it is now a minimum requirement.
Both sides have identical records, having won six and lost six of their 12 matches so far (though Delhi have the better net run rate of the two). Both teams have also each won three out of their last five fixtures, and come into this match off the back of victories – Delhi beat the Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets, while Punjab defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by 54 runs.
Punjab captain Mayank Agarwal made a brave call in that match by dropping himself down the order to No. 5. The move paid off. Jonny Bairstow, who had been scratching for form this season, rediscovered his scoring touch again, while his compatriot Liam Livingstone was able to build on his good work with a fine innings of his own. And with Kagiso Rabada finding support from Arshdeep Singh, Rishi Dhawan, and Rahul Chahar, their attack was better balanced than it has been in previous matches this campaign.
Delhi continue to lean heavily on the runs of David Warner, who made another important contribution against the Royals with an unbeaten 52 in 41 balls, while Mitchell Marsh showed glimpses of return to form. With Anrich Nortje and Marsh among the wickets in that match, their bowlers looked more potent than in some of their previous matches.
History gives little indication of who will prevail because again the head to head record is almost identical. Of 29 previous matches between these two franchises, Punjab have won 15 and Delhi 14. It may simply come down to who wins the toss and who collectively plays better on the day.
Likely Teams:
Punjab Kings: Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mayank Agarwal (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Rishi Dhawan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Delhi Capitals: K.S. Bharat, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Lalit Yadav, Rovman Powell, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya
Fantasy Tips:
- Back to his preferred position, at the top, Bairstow will be keen to improve to earn a contract for next season;
- Rabada rarely lets his side down, and Delhi will be looking for another strong bowling performance from him;
- Back Warner, who will be expected to shoulder responsibility at the top for Delhi.
Prediction:
This match is literally too close to call. It may well come down to a few moments of luck and inspiration here and there, and the toss could play a big part on the outcome of the match.
Streaming:
‘Match 64 between PBKS and DC will start at 19:30 on Monday, May 16th. You can watch the match on the Star Network and Hotstar.