Royal Challengers Bangalore will lock horns with the Rajasthan Royals in what will mark the 15th match of the IPL 2020 and the first of the double-header this season. The match has a lot at stake as the winner of the clash can claim the top spot in the points table. Both teams will be hoping they can cut the chase and make it top. RCB would be feeling confident after a bold performance against the defending champions Mumbai Indians.
The match between RCB and MI turned out to be one of the best thrillers in the history of the tournament as Pollard and Ishan Kishan almost took MI over the line. Though the brilliant bowling of Navdeep Saini in the super over meant MI could only score 7. RCB were not ready to lose the match from there. They will be hoping to win this encounter against RR and climb the table which could be a lot more good for their momentum and confidence in their hunt for the maiden IPL title.
Rajasthan Royals on the other side tasted their first defeat this season after losing to the Kolkata Knight Riders by 37 runs. The match did expose the over dependence on Sanju Samson and their captain Steven Smith to always take them over the line. The batting order failed miserably once these two key players were dismissed.
Can RCB capitalize on the weak middle-order of the RR? Or will Sanju Samson and Steven Smith take full control of the proceedings?
Match Toss Time: 13:30 Local (15:00 IST)
Match Start Time: 14:00 Local (15:30 IST)
Match Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Weather Report
The weather is once again sports friendly as there is no chance of rain whatsoever. The temperature is expected to be floating around the 32-34 degree mark with the maximum humidity expected later in the evening, touching the 60% mark.
Pitch
The pitch in Abu Dhabi seemed to slow down a bit during the match between DC and SRH and that trend can be expected once again. We are yet to witness a high scoring thriller in this ground as 170 has been a winning total so far in Abu Dhabi. The team batting first can find themselves in a winning position with any score more than 170.
This will also be the first match to be played in the afternoon this season. For this reason the dew is not expected to play any role.
Team News
RCB look a very well settled side now as the inclusion of Australian front-line spinner Adam Zampa and Sri Lankan Pacer Isuru Udana has made the RCB side a much better bowling unit. The camp will also be happy with the performance of young Devdutt Padikkal who has already scored two half-centuries in the three games played. Virat Kohli will be more than happy to go ahead with the same Xl that won the match against the defending champions Mumbai Indians.
RR will once again be without the services of Ben Stokes. Though the team has been doing a great job, the middle-order still remains a concern for the management as a lot now rests on the shoulders of Sanju Samson and Steven Smith.
With Tom Curran not being able to create much impact yet, we could see David Miller take his spot, as it will also add the much needed stability to the middle order.
Probable Playing Xl
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers(wk), Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Isuru Udana, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa
Rajasthan Royals(RR): Jos Buttler(wk), Steven Smith(c), Sanju Samson, Robin Uthappa, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Tom Curran/David Miller, Shreyas Gopal, Ankit Rajpoot, Jaydev Unadkat
RCB vs RR Fantasy Team
Jos Butler(wk), Sanju Samson, Ab de Villiers, Steven Smith, Aaron Finch, Devdutt Padikkal, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Ankit Rajpoot, Jofra Archer, Yuzvendra Chahal
Captain Picks: Sanju Samson(RR), Devdutt Padikkal(RCB)
Vice- Captain Picks: AB de Villiers(RCB), Jofra Archer(RR)
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