IPL 2020, Match 42: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Match Prediction

Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders will lock horns in the 42nd match in the IPL 2020 on Saturday afternoon at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. In their previous meeting, Delhi trumped over Kolkata in a high scoring thriller by 18 runs.

Since then, Delhi Capitals has picked up the momentum and are sitting at the top of the table with 14 points, while Kolkata had grappled for 10 points. It is an important encounter for both teams, more so for KKR as they find themselves in the mid-table muddle with three other teams.

The Delhi Capitals were high-flying in the tournament before their loss versus Punjab where no other batsman barring Shikhar Dhawan could score more than 14 runs. Dhawan is in the supreme form with four consecutive scores of more than fifty, but he would have expected more support from the other end. Prithvi Shaw looks horribly out of sorts in the last few matches.

Rishabh Pant and Shimron Hetmyer haven’t come to the party yet this season. Huge onus lays on the shoulders of Shreyas Iyer and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. There are issues with Delhi’s bowling, as Anrich Nortje is set to return after he was rested against Punjab.

Meanwhile, Kolkata is at the fourth spot in the points table, and they still have their fate in their own hands, but there is no breathing room for the two-time champions. KKR are coming off a forgettable loss where they were blown away by RCB bowlers. KKR are without the services of their overseas superstar Andre Russell, and there is no confirmation on Sunil Narine yet.

As good the batting order looks on paper, they haven’t fired in unison. Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana have had a good start to the season, but have been disappointing in the past few matches.

Former skipper, Dinesh Karthik has one half-century to his name and has been getting out often to spinners. In the absence of Narine and Russell, the bowling department has looked feeble as well. Pat Cummins hasn’t quite matched his billing. However, eyes will be once again on Lockie Ferguson, who has bolstered KKR’s bowling with his extreme pace.

IPL 2020: Match 42: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Match Prediction

KKR bowling looks feeble in the absence of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, even if he manages to return with a re-modelled action. The form of Pat Cummins and Kuldeep Yadav is a massive concern. On the other hand, Delhi has arguably the best bowling attack in the tournament. As often seen this season, the bowling may decide the contest.

The prediction is for the Delhi Capitals to romp up another two points and seal their spot for the playoff in Abu Dhabi.

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