IPL 2021 preview: More at stake for Punjab Kings against upbeat Delhi Capitals

IPL 2021: After getting the better of an in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings will hope to clinch victory against Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

Published : May 01, 2021 15:49 IST , Ahmedabad

Harpreet Brar starred with the ball against RCB.
Harpreet Brar starred with the ball against RCB.
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Harpreet Brar starred with the ball against RCB.

Less than 48 hours after nailing an in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings hopes to scalp another front-runner Delhi Capitals on Sunday in a clash that opens the second half of matches in the Indian Premier League.

Having lost to Delhi by six wickets in Mumbai, Punjab has a score to settle. However, its vulnerable middle-order faces scrutiny by some reputed bowlers desperate to perform to their potential.

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This ‘Northern Derby’ at Ahmedabad promises a tall scoring encounter. The teams are capable of shifting gears with explosive power from  their frontline batsmen. Leading contenders for the Orange Cap -  leader K. L. Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw resume the race.

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With Chris Gayle and Shimron Hetmyer making no secret of their desire  to be in the mix and a highly-rated Nicholas Pooran desperate to end his poor form - dotted with four ducks - a few bowlers could come under the pump.

To ensure a playoff-spot, a team needs eight wins. With seven to play, Delhi has five victories and Punjab three.

Clearly, the result assumes more importance for Punjab. It needs a winning run like the one seen in last October with five successive triumphs in the second half of the competition.

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Since Punjab plays its last five matches in Bangalore - the last three against off-form Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals - it gives a sense of ‘home-coming’ for Rahul, Gayle and Mayank Agarwal. Therefore, Punjab stays optimistic of its qualifying prospects.

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