IPL 2022, PBKS vs DC: Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals in a battle of survival

IPL season, Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals both finally have a chance to register back-to-back victories and keep their chances of qualifying for the playoffs alive on Monday. The heartbreak of a 9-wicket thrashing at the hands of a Covid-affected Delhi in the away fixture last month still on their minds, seventh-ranked Punjab will have more than one reason to go all out against the fifth-placed opponents at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Fresh from resounding wins against their respective opponents, both teams have 12 points from a dozen games so far, with Delhi enjoying a better net run rate of +0. 210 in comparison to Punjab's +0.023. Irrespective of the mathematics, the bottom line is both teams can't afford to lose their remaining two league matches. Delhi can't afford any more hiccups at the top of the order against a disciplined bowling unit spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, the highest wicket-taker among pacers this season. While David Warner has been right on the money with five half centuries, his opening partners have failed miserably.