The IPL’s Qualifier 2 will showcase a high-octane showdown between the table-topper Delhi Capitals and the resurrected Kolkata Knight Riders, with both teams battling for a spot in the finals. Kolkata will be full of confidence after putting their phase 1 demons behind them and defeating Bangalore in eliminator 1.
One thing that both teams have in common is the performance of their Indian openers. They’ll both rely on their openers to get them off to a good start, but their bowling combinations will be structured differently. KKR’s final eleven shows a preference for spinners and all-rounders, but Delhi’s final eleven has a good balance of spinners and quick bowlers.
Head to Head
Both teams have played 28 times in head-to-head competitions. Delhi has won 12 matches, while KKR has won 15 times. Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Delhi Capitals by 3 wickets in their previous match at the very same venue.
Players to watch out for
The openers of Delhi Capital
- Shikhar Dhawan – Shikhar had a terrific start to the season but has slowed down in recent games. He’s amassed 551 runs at a respectable 39.35 average. Shikhar will be trying to reclaim his form in the IPL’s final stages. He’ll also be carrying a chip on his shoulder following his omission from the World Cup squad.
- Prithvi Shaw – With all the limelight on his batting partner Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw has been performing consistently for the DC. He serves as the attacker and paces himself according to the innings. This IPL, he is the second-highest run-scorer with 461 runs at a blistering average of 32.92. It would be the shoulders of Shaw and Dhawan to provide a solid base for DC’s middle order.
The spinners of Kolkata Knight Riders
- Sunil Narine – Sunil Narine, the KKR veteran, will be counted upon to give a crucial breakthrough in the middle overs. He has been KKR’s top bowler this season, earning Player of the Match honors against RCB. He’s taken 14 at an economy of just 6.41. His bowling ability, paired with some late-inning quick runs, has proven to be a winning combination for KKR.
- Varun Chakravarthy – If KKR is to make the most of this pitch, this crafty spinner from Tamil Nadu will be crucial. Varun has 16 wickets at an economy rate of just 6.4. Varun had a fantastic season this year, and he’ll be hoping to make an impression against DC and carry his form to the upcoming World Cup,
What can we expect?
Delhi Capital will be hoping for a finals berth in order to exact revenge against Chennai. DC will rely on their opening pair of Dhawan and Shaw to get them off to a good start, as they have done in the past. Delhi can be flexible in terms of beneficial match-ups, ground circumstances, and consistent level of attack thanks to their bowling diversity, making them the most dynamic squad in the IPL 2021.
KKR has turned the tables in the second leg of the IPL 2021, moving from seventh to playing for qualifier two. Their spinning trio of Narine, Shakib, and Varun have turned out to be game-changers for them. Despite their batting strength, they have struggled against a strong bowling line-up. They’ll rely on their powerful bowling squad. They’ll be expecting another match-winning performance from their veteran Sunil Narine.
Expected playing XI
