When the both teams played their last match on Super Saturday, both set the IPL 2013 on fire with huge run chases against the teams from West, Mumbai Indians and Pune Warriors. Both these teams from North India are otherwise weaker side in the tournament considering their last journey in IPL 2013 so far. Kings XI have gained some respect with equal wins and losses, while Delhi Daredevils has just test first win. Vivian Richards, Sehwag effect and the win has removed DD from the underdogs list and Kings XI would know this is not the right time to play at Kotla.
History
The teams have played 10 matches and have won 5 each. Kings XI having reached the semifinal only once, but DD has reached there thrice, unable to enter the final on any attempt.
Head-to-Head: KXIP 5, DD 5
2008
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KXIP def DD by 4 Wickets
KXIP def DD by 6 Runs
2009
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DD def KXIP by 10 Wickets
KXIP def DD by 6 Wickets
2010
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DD def KXIP by 5 Wickets
KXIP def DD by 7 Wickets
2011
2012
- DD won by 5 wkts, MOM: Umesh Yadav
DD won by 6 wkts, MOM: Umesh Yadav
2008 Performances
- Both reached the semifinal and lost. Kings XI won 10 matches and lost 5. DD won 7 and lost 7, while one match was abandoned.
2009 Performances
- DD reached 2nd semifinal winning 9 and losing 7, Kings XI could not reach the semifinal and had even results, winning 7 and losing 7.
2010 Performances
- Both gave their worst performances. While Delhi Daredevils could win 7 and lose 7, Kings XI won 4 and lost 10.
2011 Performances
- With 7 wins and 7 losses, Kings XI had a decent performance. This was the worst season for DD where they could win only 4 and lost 9.
2012 Performances
- With 8 wins and 8 losses, Kings XI failed to reach the knockout because of lesser NRR.
DD bounced back in 2012 winning the maximum games at league stage. They won 11 and including the knockout match lost 6.
2013 Performances
Kings XI have won 3 and lost 3.
DD had the worst start as they lost 6 consecutive matches and then finally won the seventh match.
DDs Match Results in 2013
KXIP Match Results in 2013
Overall Performance
Three-time semifinalist DD has a positive ratio with 40 wins and 33 losses, with 2 no result, one each against KKR and PWI.
Kings XI has won 39 matches and lost 40.
Strength
Bowling was considered to be the main strength of Kings XI so far. Praveen Kumar has been very economical, well supported by Gony and Azhar Mahmood. But the last few matches have seen their batsmen finally join the party and the last big chase against Warriors must have made them have firm belief in batting strength as the star batsman David Hussey kept sitting in the dug out when the youngsters Mandeep Singh and David Miller accomplished the tough chase. Even Vohra appears is getting quick good starts.
Weakness
The bowling unit has seen Chawla failing, Awana, Harris and Mascarenhas not being ablse to be economical or fruitful. That is a major concern besides the poor form of Gilchrist and Azhar Mahmood. Overall the fielding also needs improvement to put pressure on opposition.
Team Comparison
Kings XI does not have any batsmen crossing 175 runs in 6 matches. Even their best bowler Praveen Kumar has got only 7 wickets. The worst part is that they have been able to take only 28 runs in 6 matches.
Even batting has seen only David Hussey play some good role, except the last match where Mandeep and Miller showed future promises.
Kings XI Player performance
If Kings XI appears volatile, DD is at sea. Except the heroics of Sehwag to show in the last match and some decent bowling by Irfan Pathan and Nadeem, they have nothing to show case. Yet considering their successful performances in the last 5 editions everyone would expect them to improve faster now.
DD Player performance
Verdict
Although Kings XI with 3 wins and only 3 losses show promise, yet at home when on song Delhi Daredevils can beat the strong Mumbai Indians, then other teams including Kings XI stand no chance against them. Today is another good day for DD.
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