IPL 2017: RCB v RPS, Game 17 – Match Result Predictions

The match number 17 of the IPL season 10 will witness Royal Challengers Bangalore taking on the Rising Pune Supergiant at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore. Both teams have had a similar pattern of results so far as they won their first games and then lost three on the trot. When it comes to the standings on the points table, both teams have 2 points from 4 matches, where RCB are placed at number 6 by virtue of a better net run rate, RPS are languishing at the bottom. Both will be itching for a win and get their campaign underway.

Where RCB gave a tough fight to Mumbai Indians in the last game and lost a close one, RPS were beaten comprehensively by a massive margin of 97 runs. The Bangalore pitch is known for producing high-scoring encounters but this time around, scores of only 157 and 142 were scored by RCB batting first. The spinners did the major damage in both the games which suggests that the surface is low and slow and not the usual Chinnaswamy wicket. Both times, sides batting second have won but RCB have gone the other way round opting to bat after winning the toss.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: RCB wins the toss

Toss prediction: RCB would choose to bat first

First innings score prediction: 165-175

Second innings prediction: RCB would win the match by 20-30 runs

Scenario 2: RPS wins the toss

Toss prediction: RPS would choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 165-175 (Same as above)

Second innings prediction: RCB would win the match by 20-30 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 2, RCB Won – 2, RPS Won – 0

Matches in Bangalore: Total Matches – 1, RCB Won – 1, RPS Won – 0

RCB have dominated the head to head battles hands down. The one game that was played in Bangalore between the two sides last year was a run feast. RPS had scored 191 after batting first but a magnificent unbeaten century from Kohli saw his team through. This time around, it might not produce such big scores, but you never know with RCB’s star-studded line-up. The head to head record as well the return of Kohli makes RCB favorites to win the encounter.

Playing Combinations:

Royal Challengers Bangalore

The biggest boost for the RCB side has been the return of their regular skipper Virat Kohli. The intensity on the field was back with his return and he scored a good half-century to strike form at the right time. He will be accompanied by Chris Gayle who is due for a big score and this could be the game for him. AB de Villiers too has come to form at the right time and adds value to the top order. Kedar Jadhav and Pawan Negi would be expected to do the finishing job.

Samuel Badree took a hattrick in the last game against MI that almost did it for RCB. He bowls regularly with the new ball and once again, he could be handed over the ball in the first over. Tymal Mills hasn’t lived up to the expectations so far and has done well only in patches. Yuzvendra Chahal has done extremely well and if another slow surface is presented, his role will be the most important. Shreenath Aravind, Stuart Binny and Pawan Negi are the weak links in the line-up and need to step up big time.

Predicted XI: Virat Kohli(c), Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Kedar Jadhav(wk), Stuart Binny, Pawan Negi, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sreenath Aravind, Tymal Mills and Samuel Badree

Rising Pune Supergiant

Ajinkya Rahane showed good form in the first game but has failed to contribute since. The other opener Mayank Agarwal didn’t do too well that made way to Rahul Tripathi. The onus would lie on the trio of Steven Smith, Ben Stokes and MS Dhoni. Smith is in an incredible form and he needs to play the role of a sheet anchor. The big buy of the season Stokes needs to play up to the expectations now that the side is going down. The biggest worry for them has been the form of Dhoni who has scored just 33 runs in 4 innings so far. His contributions will be extremely crucial for Supergiant’s chances in the league going forward.

The bowling of RPS has proved to be too weak as most of the bowlers have gone for plenty of runs. Ashok Dinda was dropped from the squad after a series of poor outings. His replacement Shardul Thakur did well in the last game and is expected to hold on to his spot. Lockie Ferguson was taken to cleaners in the last game and could be doubtful for this one and the slowness in the surface might force RCB to bring in Adam Zampa in place of him. Once again, the responsibility would lie on the shoulders of Imran Tahir who has bowled exceptionally well in the league. Just like batting, Stokes would be expected to play a key role with the ball too.

Predicted Playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Steven Smith(c), Manoj Tiwary, MS Dhoni, Ben Stokes, Ankit Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Adam Zampa, Deepak Chahar and Imran Tahir

RCB have a much better batting line-up as compared to that of RPS and the head to head record as well as their own record at the venue puts them in the front. RPS will have to play out of their skins to defeat RCB in their own den.

RCB have a clear advantage over RPS and are the favorites to win the match

You can follow the live scores of the match here

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