KXIP vs RCB: Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, Stats, Pitch Report & more for Dream11 IPL, Match 6

The fortunes have changed as Kings XI Punjab’s formidable record of five wins from 2014 in the UAE came to a stop straight away, whereas Royal Challengers Bangalore managed to win their very first game.

Published - 23 Sept 2020, 19:55 IST | Updated - 23 Sept 2020, 19:55 IST

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It took the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as many as seven games last year, to register their first victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Whether convincingly done or not, but come 2020, and they have 2 points after the first game. They defeated the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 10 runs in a game that has given them plenty to celebrate and ponder at the same time.

The youngster Devdutt Padikkal was in blistering form as he slammed a half-century on his IPL debut. It does take something to keep the eyes transfixed on you when there is Aaron Finch at the other end, however, that is what Paddikal did. The magic of AB de Villiers was on display again as he smothered a half-century as well. However, his counterpart Dale Steyn was surprisingly not as lethal with his weapon in the hand. Contrary to expectations of ABD managing the task with gloves, RCB went with Joshua Phillippe, who did not look at ease behind the stumps.

Coming after a long hiatus, skipper Virat Kohli did not fire, however, given his skill set, raising a question on his form would be sheer foolery. Eventually, RCB managed to seal the game, although they must be aware that a massive element in their victory was their opponent’s negligence. SRH were cruising at one stage in their chase of 163, although they collapsed from 121 for 2 to 153 all-out, thereby gifting RCB their first win.

Speaking of gifting victories to opponents, RCB’s adversary in this game: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), did precisely that against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their first league game. No one could have barely imagined that the match would go into a Super Over with KXIP needing merely a run, off three deliveries. Their batting order looked innocuous barring Mayank Agarwal, who single-handedly took his team to the edge, only to falter in the end.

The story was sadder in the Super Over where KXIP could manage only 2 runs at the loss of as many wickets before DC had a walk in the park. The fortunes have changed as KXIP’s formidable record of five wins from 2014 in the UAE came to a stop straight away, whereas RCB managed to win their very first game. The latter will back themselves on Thursday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, knowing that they have ended superior in the last four IPL meetings with KXIP.

Pitch and conditions

All the speculations of slow, low, and dead tracks of the UAE aside, the pitches have given ample to the batsmen. If the last two games at this venue are any indicators, the pitch has been fair for both batsmen and bowlers. The pacers will be in contention with the new ball, while the spinners will enjoy themselves in the middle overs. All in all, it is going to be one hot contest in the hot weather of Dubai.

Playing Combinations for KXIP vs RCB

Kings XI Punjab Probable 11

Almost all the batsmen, except for Mayank Agarwal, failed to make a mark in the first game. Much to their fans’ disappointment, KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran failed twice in the same game as they misfired in the Super Over too. Expectations from Glenn Maxwell were high, and after a cold outing, he would want to turn on the heat in Dubai this time around.

There was no lack of heat, however, in Mohammed Shami and Sheldon Cottrell with the ball in the hands. Both of them bowled in testing channels and bagged 3 and 2 wickets at magnificent economy rates, respectively. Chris Jordan, known for his skills at the death, had a nightmarish outing as he went onto bowl one of the most expensive last overs in the history of the IPL. Ravi Bishnoi looked good with the ball and managed a wicket.

Probable 11- KL Rahul (C & WK), Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Sarfaraz Khan, Krishnappa Gowtham, Chris Jordan, Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, Ravi Bishnoi

Royal Challengers Bangalore Probable 11

After a scintillating show at the top, Devdutt Paddikal has made a strong statement for his spot in the team. His partner, Aaron Finch, however, looked happy in playing the second fiddle. Following them, the threatening duo of ABD-Kohli did not stand for too long in the last game, although these two are the most obvious positions in the RCB setup. After failing with the bat, Shivam Dube made it count a bit with the ball as he bagged two wickets at a crucial juncture.

The furious pace of Navdeep Saini, who scalped three, and the guile of Yuzvendra Chahal were certain positives for the team. Both the players would want to carry their good run ahead. Surprisingly, Dale Steyn did not look as lethal as he not only managed just one wicket but also went for runs. Umesh Yadav was taken apart during his wicket-less spell of four overs.

Probable 11- Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Shivam Dube, Josh Phillippe (WK), Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, Dale Steyn, Yuzvendra Chahal