Matches are coming thick and fast in the 2024 Indian Premier League and Game 16 will feature Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Capitals in the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam. The mouth-watering clash is slated to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday.
The Delhi Capitals (DC) started the tournament on a disappointing note after suffering back-to-back losses against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. However, they bounced back on their second home by toppling then table-toppers, Chennai Super Kings in their latest encounter. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Knight Riders have played just a couple of games and are yet to suffer a defeat. In their first game, the Knights earned a close-fought victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad followed by a convincing triumph against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. With a mouth-watering clash up for grabs, let us have a quick look at the pitch report, fantasy predictions and top players for the contest.
Andre Russell Gearing up For Big Encounter tonight 💜🤩 pic.twitter.com/GsS0ETQ2iL
— Kolkata Knight Riders Universe (@KKRUniverse) May 5, 2024
DC vs KKR: Head-to-Head Stats
The Capitals and Knight Riders have squared off in 32 matches with the latter having 16 wins. Delhi won 15 games and one game was washed away due to rain. However, the Capitals have a better record of three wins when zoomed into the last five encounters.
DC vs KKR: Pitch Report
The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam offered some assistance for the pacers in the last game. Although the batters can play their shots if they get settled, it is more of a balanced strip. There was no dew factor and the spinners got decent turns as well.
Venue Stats
- Total Matches: 14
- Matches won batting first: 60%
- Matches won batting second: 40%
- Average first innings score: 139.
- Highest score: 191/5
- Fantasy Bulletins from Pitch Report
- Top-order batters who are good against pace and spin are important.
- The Pacers have a good chance to pick wickets with the new and old ball.
DC vs KKR: Fantasy tips
Scenario: If DC bats first
David Warner has been consistent with the bat and is DC’s highest run-getter. Mukesh Kumar picked a three-fer, he is a must-pick along with a couple of more pacers. KKR is good in chase and their top-order would be crucial.
Scenario: If KKR bats first
At least two out of their top five needs to be on the team. Andre Russell is a good all-round bet. Harshit Rana has the capability to take wickets and is a good option.
DC vs KKR: Top Player Picks
David Warner (DC)
The Aussie veteran has scored 130 runs from three innings at an outstanding average of 43.33 and strike rate of 144.44. He is one of the most consistent players in the history of IPL and should maintain his good form against KKR. Warner is also the only DC player to notch a ton against KKR.
Mukesh Kumar (DC)
The right-arm pacer scalped three wickets in DC’s last game against CSK. He has a very good control on the slower ones and wide yorkers, making him an exponential figure in the slog overs. Mukesh is likely to bowl with the old ball and may benefit from the attacking intent of opposition batters during the later end of the innings.
Venkatesh Iyer (KKR)
The southpaw came in form after scoring a match-winning fifty in the last game against RCB. With a left-arm orthodox spinner in the opposition, Venkatesh could benefit as the stock ball will come into the batter. He is a good player of both pace and spin and can be a handy pick.
Andre Russell (KKR)
The Jamaican star is in unreal form with the bat and ball. He bagged a three-fer in the competition and also scored runs in their first game against SRH. Russell looked in good batting form during the recent ILT20 as well, and should come good in the upcoming assignment.
DC vs KKR: Differential Picks
Harshit Rana (KKR)
The Delhi pacer is likely to complement Mitchell Starc with the new ball for KKR. He bagged a three-fer against SRH and bowled a successful tough last over against Heinrich Klaasen as well. Rana has the knack for wickets and could be a differential pick in the fantasy team.
Prithvi Shaw (DC)
Although not so consistent with the bat in recent times, Shaw looked a bit mature when he scored 27-ball 43 against CSK in the same venue. He scored 343 runs against KKR in his IPL career and loves to score against this opposition.
DC vs KKR Fantasy Team for Head-to-Head Contests
- Wicketkeeper: Phil Salt, Rishabh Pant
- Batters: David Warner, Shreyas Iyer
- All-rounders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Mitch Marsh, Axar Patel
- Bowlers: Harshit Rana, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed
- Captain: David Warner
- Vice-captain: Mitch Marsh
DC vs KKR Fantasy Team for Mega Contests
- Wicketkeeper: Phil Salt
- Batters: David Warner, Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Prithvi Shaw
- All-rounders: Andre Russell, Mitch Marsh, Axar Patel
- Bowlers: Harshit Rana, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav
- Captain: Andre Russell
- Vice-captain: David Warner
- DC vs KKR: Winner Predictions
The Knights are playing their first IPL game in Visakhapatnam and would need to adept to the conditions quickly. With Delhi getting a win here, they would look to continue that momentum and might edge past KKR.
