Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, 38th Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Build up

24 hours ago, there were four teams tied on the same points in the bottom half of the table. Since then, Rajasthan Royals steered clear with a convincing win over Chennai Super Kings last night and it is now Kings XI Punjab's turn to keep pace with them in this intriguing race for a playoff berth. KXIP shouldn't have been in this scenario in the first place. They have lost games they were supposed to win and as a result, they find themselves languishing in the 7th spot. One of those games they were supposed to win did come against the opponents they will be facing tonight in the reverse fixture. Mayank Agarwal roared that night and almost got his side home. When KXIP needed 1 off 3 balls, they choked big time to drag the contest into a Super Over in which Delhi Capitals came out on top. Since then, these two teams have been heading in the opposite directions.

DC are right now comfortably sitting on top with 7 wins from 9 games and a victory tonight will almost guarantee them a spot in the playoffs. Despite their strong position in the points table, DC know that there are no guarantees in sport. They would love to win their next two games and seal their spot instead of dragging their fate into the next week. They are also likely to bolstered by the returning Rishabh Pant and that means Alex Carey will be making way. In such a scenario, Ajinkya Rahane might have to make way for Shimron Hetmyer as well to further strengthen that middle order. With Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje breathing fire, they look like a well oiled unit and KXIP certainly have a huge task ahead of them tonight.

KL Rahul as usual has been amongst the runs. Mayank Agarwal has been consistent as well and Chris Gayle's return has also made that top order a lot stronger. Glenn Maxwell is yet to fire but Nicholas Pooran has shown glimpses of what he can potentially come up with in the IPL and in international cricket in the years to come. Mohammed Shami has shone in the bowling department but he needs support, especially against this exciting DC lineup. If Shami can get rid of the in-form Shikhar Dhawan quite early, KXIP will certainly be buoyed. A win over the mighty Mumbai Indians has given this team the much-needed spark and if they can topple the other standout team of IPL 2020, then a comeback is well and truly on the cards.