RCB vs KXIP Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? Dream11 IPL 2020, Match 31

In their previous meeting, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) thumped the Royal Challengers (RCB) by 97 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, their fortunes have turned around drastically in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

For Virat Kohli’s Challengers, they have won five out of their first seven games and are sitting at the third position of the points table in the event. They are also coming off an 82-run win over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

KXIP, on the other hand, have lost six out of their seven games and are tottering at the bottom of the points table. They could easily have beaten KKR in their last game, but a batting collapse led to their demise. Going to their next game against RCB in Sharjah, on Thursday, October 15, KXIP will have to pull their socks up.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Sharjah has been excellent for batting, but the track has also shown signs of slowing down. Spinners have been quite effective and hard to get away, especially in the second half.

The sides, batting second, have had to strain a wee bit. The temperature will be around the 31-degrees Celsius mark with the humidity around 23. It’s unlikely that dew will be playing a major part.

Playing Combinations for RCB vs KXIP

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Probable XI

Aaron Finch, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers (wk), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

Kings XI Punjab

Probable XI

KL Rahul (C), Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Simran Singh (wk), Chris Gayle, Mandeep Singh/Deepak Hooda, Sheldon Cottrell/Hardus Viljoen, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi

Probable Top Performers for RCB vs KXIP

AB de Villiers– Royal Challengers Bangalore 

Ab de Villiers in riveting form, especially after his unbeaten 73 against KKR at the same venue. He has decent numbers against KXIP as well. In 20 innings, the 36-year-old has 708 runs at an average and strike-rate of 50.57 and 160.54 respectively.

He also has seven fifties with a top score of 89*. In their previous face-off, the Pretoria-born batsman managed to get a start, but couldn’t carry on.

KL Rahul– Kings XI Punjab

RCB would be pretty aware of what KL Rahul did to them in their previous meeting. His unbeaten 132 mauled the Challengers. Virat Kohli dropped him twice during the knock. He played until the very end.

Overall, his numbers are worth envying. In seven innings, Rahul has 310 runs at an average and strike-rate of 62 and 163.16 respectively. The KXIP captain is again expected to be a force to reckon with.

RCB vs KXIP Head to Head

Overall

Played- 25 |RCB won- 12 | KXIP won- 13 | N/R- 0

At neutral venues (outside India)

Played- 4 | RCB won- 1 | KXIP won- 3 | N/R- 0

Average first innings score:  209 (6 matches in IPL 2020)

Record of chasing teams: Won- 1 | Lost- 5

Broadcast Details

Match timings – 06:00 PM local time, 07:30 PM IST

TV – Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Select, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 2 HD, Star Sports 1 Select HD, and Star Sports 1 HD Hindi.

Live Streaming – The match can be streamed online on Disney + Hotstar VIP.

The prediction is for Royal Challengers Bangalore to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.