IPL 2017: KXIP v RCB, Game 8– Match Result Predictions

After the grand opening weekend in Vivo IPL 10 which dished out some fascinating cricket over the past couple of days, we are back to normalcy as Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the only match today starting at 8 pm. Both teams have got off the mark with wins in their previous encounter which will work as a catalyst for them going into the match.

After losing the opening game against defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad, it was a much-needed victory for the home team against the underachievers of the tournament Delhi Daredevils. The total of 158 set by Bangalore wasn’t a competitive one under any stress of imagination given the high scoring nature of the Chinnaswamy wicket.

On the other hand, Punjab kicked off their IPL campaign with a resounding victory over Rising Pune Supergiant courtesy a whirlwind innings from the captain Glenn Maxwell. He literally smashed the Pune bowlers all around the park and ensured Punjab reached the target set by Pune without any further hiccups.

The Kings have a slight advantage over RCB in the head to head department with Punjab winning 10 out of the 18 matches played between the two sides. Punjab will surely take heart from the fact and come out all guns blazing at the Holkar Stadium. It will be a mouth-watering contest on our hands and we might be in for a fascinating display of cricket by both the teams.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: KXIP wins the toss

Toss Prediction: KXIP choose to bowl

First innings prediction: 160-165

2nd innings Prediction: KXIP will win by 5 wickets (with an over to spare)

Scenario 2: RCB wins the toss

Toss Prediction: RCB choose to bowl

First innings Prediction: 175-180

2nd innings Prediction: KXIP will win by 10 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 18 KXIP won – 10, RCB won – 8, No result- 0

It might be in for a nail-biting clash between the two underachievers of the tournament when the action begins at 8 pm. While Punjab has a slight advantage over Bangalore in the win-loss ratio, the record is otherwise pretty even stevens with a 10-8 win-loss ratio in favour of Punjab. It will be a tough battle on our hands and to catch the live action please keep a track on cricktracker to get the latest updates on IPL.

Playing Combinations

Kings XI Punjab

Punjab is expected to field the same 11 after a comprehensive victory over the Rising Pune Supergiant in their opening encounter. It was a good bowling performance by the relatively inexperienced bowling line up of Punjab. Mohit Sharma bowled some good overs in the beginning but couldn’t keep up the good work and was smashed in the final few overs.

Natarajan who made his debut in the previous match made an immediate impact picking up a wicket in the very over of his IPL. He will surely remember the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane in his entire life. The middle order looks pretty settled with Wriddhiman Saha, Glenn Maxwell and David Miller all in form. During his brief stay in the previous encounter, Saha looked in sublime form but couldn’t carry on his good work as he was castled by an exceptional wrong un from Imran Tahir.

Maxwell played some lusty blows and along with Miller, the duo ensured Punjab reached the winning target without any further hiccups. Marcus Stoinis is also expected to retain his place with Swapnil Singh and Axar Patel being the two spinners in the team. The team management might be tempted to go with English captain Eoin Morgan but dropping Hashim Amla might not be the best of options.

Predicted XI: Hashim Amla, Manan Vohra, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Glenn Maxwell (c), David Miller, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Swapnil Singh, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Sharma, T Natarajan.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

The biggest news coming in from the Royal Challengers Bangalore camp is that AB de Villiers is expected to take the field today and will also take over the captaincy duties from Shane Watson. De Villiers was forced to sit out from Bangalore’s opening two games due to a slight niggle but might be back for today’s encounter against Punjab.

Meanwhile, the Indian captain, Virat Kohli will still take at least 10 days to fully recuperate from his injury which might not be a good news for Bangalore. If de Villiers play, Australian fast bowler Billy Stanlake might face the axe or Travis Head might be the one sitting out. Pawan Negi who bowled a sensational final over will retain his place but Iqbal Abdulla’s place in the side might be in jeopardy.

Predicted XI: Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, AB de Villiers/Travis Head/Billy Stanlake, Kedar Jadhav, Mandeep Singh, Stuart Binny, Vishnu Vinod, Pawan Negi, Sreenath Arvind, Tymal Mills, Yuzvendra Chahal

The odds are heavily in favour of Kings XI Punjab with a more balanced side than Bangalore but you never know, RCB might spring a surprise.

Do let us know your predictions in the comment section below.