IPL 9, Match 50 Preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore encounter another must-win match

The Royal Challengers Bangalore will lock horns with the Kings XI Punjab in their den at Bengaluru. RCB will go into the match with a thumping win over Kolkata Knight Riders that they registered at Kolkata. Punjab, on the other hand, were handed a vital defeat at the hands of the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous encounter.

For the KXIP, the match is only about playing for pride. Skipper Murali Vijay accepted the fact that they have been ousted out of the race for the playoffs but will still try to play for pride in their last two matches. In essence, they could be the party spoilers for the team of Royal Challengers Bangalore. They will play Rising Pune Supergiants after that, which will have no impact on the points table. However, if they beat the RCB at Bengaluru, it could mean curtains for the Virat Kohli-led side in the playoffs race.

The match against Kings XI is a must-win match for RCB if they wish to stay alive in the hunt to be among the top 4 teams this season.

Team News-

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

The Royal Challengers Bangalore relies heavily on their top three batsmen. Chris Gayle came up good in their last match and showed signs of coming back to form. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are in sublime touch and definitely, the team would be dependent on the top two scorers for bulk of the scoring. The bowling remains a concern for them as no bowler has put their hands up and taken responsibility. Iqbal Abdulla might lose his place in the side and the team might go with an extra seamer in his place. The team that played against the Gujarat Lions will be likely to be on the field against Kings XI Punjab.

Kings XI Punjab:

The Kings XI Punjab were jolted with another overseas injury as Glenn Maxwell was ruled out of the tournament following an injury. He will most likely be replaced by Farhan Behardien in the team. Behardien has played one game in the season so far. The Kings have a good chance of testing their bench strength and start thinking on the lines of next edition.

Probable XI-

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Virat Kohli (c), Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (wk), AB de Villiers, Shane Watson, Sachin Baby, Stuart Binny, Chris Jordan, Sreenath Arvind, Varun Aaron, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Kings XI Punjab:

Murali Vijay (c), Hashim Amla, Wriddhiman Saha (Wk), David Miller, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Axar Patel, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Sharman, Anureet Singh.

StAttack:

1. Murali Vijay has hit 4 half centuries this season, the most by him in any IPL season.

2. AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli have put on 5 century stands this year, their best being 229 against the Gujarat Lions.

3. AB de Villiers has the highest strike-rate this season – 173.54.

4. Sandeep Sharma has the second best economy rate (7.16) among all the bowlers this season and is only behind Mustafizur Rahman, who has an economy of 6.66.

Weather:

The weather might play a spoil sport. A low-pressure system expected to hit Bangalore on Wednesday, which could result in heavy thundershowers.