The second match of IPL 2012 finds two teams with contrasting record. While KKR is surging ahead with every edition, DD is sinking down. KKR made solo semifinal entry in 2011, while semifinalist of first two edition, DD finished at the bottom. Considering the strength of teams in 2012 IPL, KKR holds clear edge at Home, but with Sehwag around, can anyone feel confident of victory!!
History
Both have met 7 times in the last four editions. They have seen one match abandoned between them whereas in remaining 6 matches they are at par with 3 wins each.
Head-to-Head: DD 3, KKR 2
2008
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KKR def DD by Lost 23 R
No Result
2009
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DD def KKR by 9 Wickets
DD def KKR by 7 Wickets
2010
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DD def KKR by 40 Runs
KKR def DD by 14 Runs
2011
- KKR def DD 17 runs
IPL Performances
DD has reached semifinal in 2008 and 2009, but failed to complete a hattrick of semifinals in 2010. 2011 saw them finishing at the bottom among the 10 teams. In 2008 and 2010 they won 7 and lost 7 matches, but in 2008 they have one abandaoned match also. In 2009 they won 9 and lost only 7. In 2011, they could win only 4 and lost 9, drawing 1.
KKR, finally reached the knockout, in 2011. In 2008 they had 6 Win, 7 Losses, 1 No Result against DD. In 2009 they Won 3, Lost 10 and again had 1 No Result. In 2010 they had the best performance with 7 Wins and 7 Losses. Finishing fourth in 2011, KKR won 8, lost 7 including the Eliminator level loss.
Overall Performance
Till 2011, DD has won 27 and lost 30, with two matches ending in no result. KKR has improves from having the worst record of last IPL, with semifinal entry in 2011. They have played for 24 Wins, 32 Losses and 2 No Result.
Who Will Win Today!!
The Knights have a problem of plenty, while DD is still contemplating who will fill in the boots of absent players. Amidst the emotional battles of long-time team mates Sehwag and Gambhir, and Pathan brothers playing against each other, the match would be the testing ground for captains as both have been the vice-captains of India, and failed to impress at IPL level.
KKR has the battery of big hitters in the form of Brad Haddin, Brendum McCullum, Yusuf Pathan, Doeschate, Shakib, and Manoj Tiwary to support the always consistent Kallis, Gambhir and Morgan. Abdullah, the success story of 2011, will be joined by Narine, expected to be the most decisive bowler of 2012 IPL, besides Balaji, de Lange and Brett Lee.
Yusuf Pathan is a concern, but Manoj Tiwary must be hungry lion waiting to devour anything falling on his way, considering he has been warming the Indian team bench for many months now. Ryan ten Doeschate is still awaiting due respect from KKR, and would be eager to earn his place through match winning performances. Iqbal Abdullah is as leathal as last year.
Daredevils have a balanced team, but the prominent players are unavailble for the first few matches. That leaves them with no match winners, except Sehwag.
Sehwag again is the key for Delhi Daredevils. Nothing has changed in DD camp since IPL began in 2008. DD can be renamed Sehwag easily. Even with renewed look, the unavailability of international players of the likes of Mahela Jayawardene, Kevin Pietersen and David Warner. Andre Russell may hold another important key in DDs fate.
The bowling unit of Agarkar, Irfan Pathan, Umesh Yadav does not pose much confidence. South Africans Morne Morkel and van der Merwe, alongwith Russell and Sehwag will be the key players for DD.
Sehwag’s bat can create the upset, otherwise KKR should start the 2012 campaign with an easy win.
Key Battles
Russell vs Narine
The men from Carribeans are the hot cakes of the tournament. Narine has been almost unbeatable with ball, while Russell is big hitter, useful bowler and one of the best fielder. Their performances will play a crucial role in their team’s fate. Narine can stop Sehwag and Delhi. Russel can hit KKRs extraordinary bowling unit out of park.
Sehwag vs Gambhir
Both have been playing together since ages. Since 2011 they are captaining different IPL teams. Gambhir excelled, Sehwag fought a lone battle. Now, again they stand against each other with the same motive. The emotional battle may not have a winner, but the match needs the winner. Gambhir knows, just having a better team is not enough to stop the destroyer Sehwag.
I Pathan vs Y Pathan
The Pathan brothers are known to the entire world now. Both have been useful cogs for their IPL teams too, but in the past. After leaving their respective clubs, Kings XI and Rajasthan Royals, both have been living on their past glory. Both may find it tough to overcome the emotional battle of playing against each other, yet both know 2012 may be their last chance to be glorious again.
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