Can Punjab kings continue their winning streak?

Delhi Daredevils stopped their losing streak by winning the last match against Hyderabad Deccan Chargers and will face in-form Punjab Kings Eleven at their home ground, Feroz Shah Kotla stadium. Top orders of both teams are in superb form and match result will depend on their performance. Punjab Kings all-India bowling attack so far performed beyond expectations. Wicket taking ability of Punjab bowlers is their main asset and Delhi batsmen will face stern test against this quality attack. Arrival of Shaun Marsh turned the Punjab side into a good batting team. Shaun Marsh is in ominous form and will be tested by Australian Legend Glenn McGrath. Delhi bowlers should remove this man within 3-4 overs; otherwise he will take away the match from Delhi’s hands. Kumara Sangakkara is still not available for Punjab so top 3 batting slots will be occupied by Australian youngsters i.e. Shaun Marsh, Pomersnach and Hopes.

Delhi once again depends on their top order batsmen (Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Shikhar Dhawan) to deliver goods. Piyush Chawla will be tested by big hitting Farveez Maharoof.

Match timings: 8 PM - 11 PM. Live on Set Max.

Crucial cricketers:

Delhi daredevils:

1. Amit Mishra: Best performance by a spinner in the last match. Hat-trick hero.
2. Gautam Gambhir: Leading run scorer and will be tested by Punjab attack.
3. Virender Sehwag: Maverick performer.
4. Glenn McGrath: There will be an interesting battle with Shaun Marsh.
5. Shikhar Dhawan: Consistency is his forte.

Punjab Kings eleven:

1. Shaun Marsh: 99.83 batting average from five matches.
2. Irfan Pathan: leading wicket taker along with Sreesanth.
3. Sreesanth: He bowled very well after “Slapgate” episode.

IPL records and statistics:

1. Amit Mishra took the second hat-trick in IPL.
2. Gautam Gambhir is the leading contender for orange cap.
3. Shaun Marsh has the best average in IPL.
4. Sreesanth and Pathan are leading wicket takers and strong contenders for purple cap.

Verdict: Punjab will try to expose Delhi’s weak links in the middle order. If Delhi bowlers can remove Shaun Marsh for low score, Delhi may surprise favourites. Sreesanth and Pathan Vs Gambhir-Sehwag contest winner will decide match result