CLT20 bite-size preview: Kings XI Punjab
The Kings XI Punjab come into the tournament as IPL runners-up, and this is their first time at this event. They were formidable in the IPL, and will be very tough to beat here too.
<b>Brief Overview:</b> The Kings XI Punjab come into the tournament as IPL runners-up, and this is their first time at this event. They were formidable in the IPL, and will be very tough to beat here too, if their international stars lead the home players down the right path again. They are being skippered by an experience leader in George Bailey as well.
<b>Key Strength:</b> The KXIP middle order is just spine-tingling on paper. It's a collection of some of the best hitters in world cricket, with Glenn Maxwell and David Miller forming a superb pairing in the IPL. Bailey was a brilliant back-up if those two faltered, while Thisara Perera's all-round skills can win a game. Expect big scores if this lot fires.
<b>Probable Weakness:</b> Their bowling attack, aside from Mitchell Johnson, isn't star-studded, especially when it comes to spin. To be fair, Johnson is a huge influence, and Lakshmi Balaji has done superbly in the past, but once their overs are up, it's often left up to the batsmen to save the day, either by chasing or setting massive scores. They're without Sandeep Singh, their best bowler in this year's IPL, due to injury.
<b>Batsman To Watch:</b> Glenn Maxwell, for sure. The Aussie started the IPL in blazing fashion, only to drop off a bit at the end after he was rested, but he's been playing in England recently and also scored a 93 for the Aussies in Harare. He also adds value with his off-spin, and sharp fielding.
<b>Bowler To Watch:</b> You'd think Mitchell Johnson, but it's actually Thisara Perera. If he plays as often as he should, he could be key because he's been bagging wickets left and right recently for Sri Lanka. In the ODI series against Pakistan he took nine wickets in three games, and scored two fifties.
<b>Squad:</b> George Bailey (captain), Thisara Perera, Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller, Akshar Patel, Karanveer Singh, L Balaji, Manan Vohra, Mandeep Singh, Rishi Dhawan, Virender Sehwag, Wriddhiman Saha, Anureet Singh, Parvinder Awana.
<b>Toughest Fixture:</b> The Cape Cobras, on 28 September, should prove staunch opposition. The South Africans are their domestic champions and boast some big names, and if KXIP aren't already through to the next round, this could prove a stumbling block.
<b>They Said:</b> Skipper George Bailey after giving up the Oz T20 captaincy: "My passion and commitment to T20 cricket remains strong and I look forward to continuing my T20 roles with the Hobart Hurricanes and Kings XI Punjab."
<b>Cricket365's Prediction:</b> Champions.
Latest
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.