IPL 2020 Match 18: Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings: Weather Forecast

The caravan of the Dream11 IPL rolls on and the 18th match will see three-time champions Chennai Super Kings [CSK] square off against Kings XI Punjab [KXIP] at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

Both sides have lost three of their first four fixtures in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League and are in desperate need of revival.

Kings XI Punjab may have suffered three defeats in their first 4 games but anyone who has watched them play would know that the KL Rahul-led unit should have won three of them, had their death bowling and their middle-order stood up to the challenge. The lack of options in the death-bowling department was truly evident in the last game against the Mumbai Indians [MI] when KL Rahul gave the last over to spinner Krishnappa Gowtham.

Both Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings in a desperate need of revival

It will be interesting to see if KXIP recalls Chris Jordan back in the mix. Jordan may have had a bad outing in Kings XI Punjab’s opening game against Delhi Capitals but the English international is a proven performer at the death and given the lack of options, it becomes even more imperative to recall the fast bowler. Another issue that KXIP has to sort out is their middle-order batting. The likes of Glenn Maxwell, James Neesham, and Nicholas Pooran has failed to deliver thus far and it will be interesting to see if they persist with them or will they bring back the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle?

Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, find themselves in a bigger hole as compared to KXIP. Their batting-unit has just not fired in the past three games and if Stephen Fleming’s press-conference is anything to go by, one can expect a few changes to their playing XI in the game against KXIP.

The biggest issue with CSK has been their batting in their first 10 overs. Nearly all their batsmen have been slow starters and while the likes of Faf du Plessis and Ambati Rayudu have gone on to make up for those slow starts, the same hasn’t been the case with Shane Watson or Kedar Jadhav. So, will we see a rejig in CSK’ batting-order on Sunday? We’ll have to wait and see.

Also Read- IPL 2020: Match 18: Kings XI Punjab Vs Chennai Super Kings: Match Prediction

IPL 2020 Match 18: Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings: Weather Forecast

Another bright and sunny day awaits us in Dubai on Sunday. According to the BBC weather report, the temperatures are expected to fluctuate between 26-37 degrees celsius. A cool breeze is expected to blow throughout the day while the humidity is set to be around 55 percent. Chances of rain- minimal.