IPL 2017: GL v RCB, Game 20– Match Result Predictions

It has been a sensational start to Vivo IPL 10 and we have already seen some exceptional performances being dished out by some top notch teams. While Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Lions (GL) are languishing at the bottom of the points table, teams like Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders is looking ominous and looks set to book a place in the playoffs. Though it is still early stages but these two teams look the most organised side of the tournament.

Despite having arguably the strongest batting line-up in the tournament, RCB has failed to gel as a unit at crucial junctures which have cost them some important matches. With a star-studded batting line-up, they have failed to pile on huge scores which have resulted in their downfall. After yesterday’s defeat at the hands of Rising Pune Supergiant, Kohli made it pretty clear that they don’t deserve to win with these kinds of performances.

They were totally lacklustre in the batting department and despite the pitch being a two faced one a target of 162 was expected to be chased down by RCB. Ben Stokes was the pick of the RPS bowlers which derailed RCB’s progress. Even in the bowling department they have kept chopping and changing but youngster Adam Milne bowled pretty well yesterday and is expected to retain his place tomorrow.

On the other hand, Gujarat Lions have been jolted yet again after suffering a defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians. They came back to winning ways in style the other day against RPS but after their disappointing performance against MI has pushed their back towards the wall and they have to find a solution.

While the return of Ravindra Jadeja has definitely bolstered the team but he hasn’t got enough batting opportunities. His hard-hitting abilities might be crucial for GL as the tournament progresses. Their top order looks pretty settled with the only concern being the selection. With so many top class openers there are not able to adjust them in any other positions. So with the 20^th encounter of the tournament scheduled to begin in more than 24 hours time here, we have a look at the match predictions for tomorrow.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: RCB will win the toss

Toss Prediction: RCB choose to bowl

First innings prediction: 180-185

2nd innings Prediction: RCB will win by 6 wickets (with an over to spare)

Scenario 2: GL will win the toss

Toss Prediction: GL choose to bowl

First innings Prediction: 190-200

2nd innings Prediction: RCB will win by 20-25 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 3, RCB Won – 2, GL Won – 1

In the two matches being played between the two franchises, RCB returned triumphant on both occasions. While on one occasion they won by 4 wickets while the other team around they demolished GL by 144 runs. Despite RCB not being in the best of forms they look the clear favourites for tomorrow’s clash and will look for a turn in their fortunes.

Playing Combinations

Gujarat Lions

If Jason Roy is playing he should be opening the batting and there shouldn’t be any debate regarding that. With the attacking abilities, he possesses coming down the order won’t allow him to bat with the same freedom which we usually see him doing in the limited overs format. In that case, James Faulkner would be a better option with his all-round abilities.

The left-arm seamer can bowl some exceptional slower deliveries from the back of the hand and has the ability to bamboozle opposition batsmen on a consistent basis. He can also strike the big shots consistently and has been a terrific finisher for Australia in limited overs cricket. After a mediocre outing yesterday youngster Ishan Kishan might also face the axe but given his abilities, he might be given a long run to prove his credentials at the highest level.

Predicted XI: Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina ©, Dinesh Karthik, Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, James Faulkner, Praveen Kumar, Andrew Tye, Basil Thampi, Munaf Patel

Royal Challengers Bangalore

One of the top contenders for lifting the title since the very first year, Royal Challengers Bangalore had another lacklustre start to their 2017 IPL campaign losing 4 out of the first 5 matches played. They had to change the top order when Virat Kohli wasn’t available for the first 3 games. Despite his return, the fortunes of RCB hasn’t changed but tomorrow might just be the day.

On the other hand, the horrendous form of Chris Gayle has been a big concern for the RCB camp which has forced them to leave the big man out from the XI in the previous encounter in favour of Shane Watson. The middle order apart from AB de Villiers hasn’t fired which is a big concern for Kohli.

To go with that they have faced problems in the bowling department too. English pacer Tymal Mills who bagged an incredible Rs. 12.5 crores in the auction haven’t been effective enough which prompted the RCB camp to go with Kiwis speedster Adam Milne who can generate some serious pace with the ability to swing the ball both ways.

Predicted XI: Virat Kohli ©, Chris Gayle, Vishnu Vinod, AB de Villiers, Kedar Jadhav, Stuart Binny, Pawan Negi, Samuel Badree, Adam Milne, Sreenath Arvind, Yuzvendra Chahal

The odds are tilted in favour of RCB with 2 wins from the previous 2 encounter against Gujarat Lions. They haven’t performed well in this season so far and so has been the case with RCB. So keeping it in mind we might be in for a mouth-watering clash tomorrow.

Do let us know your prediction in the comments section below.