The Royal Challengers Bangalore will lock horns against Kings XI Punjab in match 31 of IPL 2020. 

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium

Timing: 7:30 IST (6:30 Local Time)

The much-anticipated fixture will be telecasted on Star Sports Network and viewers can also see the live match on Disney+ Hotstar.

When last time RCB and KXIP faced each other, it was a dazzling knock from KL Rahul that stole the show. However, since then the tables have turned as RCB have dominated this season. 

On the other hand, KXIP has looked completely out of sorts and their win against RCB remains their only win so far in this season. It is virtually a do or die match for KXIP as one more loss will make it incredibly difficult for them to progress further in the competition. 

Head To Head 

Matches Played: 24

KXIP Won: 13

RCB Won: 11

Weather Forecast

Never a chance of rain whatsoever at Sharjah and teams will be playing in typically hot and humid conditions. 

Pitch Report

The Sharjah pitch is once again expected to be full of runs with a lot of fireworks in store for the viewers. In the second half, the pitch might slow down a touch as we saw in the RCB and KKR match making stroke play a little challenging.

Average First Innings Score 

180-200 in IPL 2020 

Injury and Availability News

Chris Gayle is likely to play his first match of IPL 2020 against his old franchise. Glenn Maxwell who has not fired this season is expected to make way for Gayle. 

Fantasy Tips-Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab 

Predicted XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Shivam Dube, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul (wk/c), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Prabsimran Singh, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sheldon Cottrell, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh. 

Also Read: IPL 2020: KL Rahul Vouches To Come Back Stronger After Fifth Consecutive Defeats

Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers– Top Fantasy Picks 

Ab de Villiers: After his incredibly batting display a few days back at Sharjah Ab de Villiers should be the first pick in your fantasy side. 

Virat Kohli: The RCB skipper has continued to score runs after finding his top form this season. After his failure against KXIP earlier this season, Kohli will be eager to make a contribution and help his side win. 

Chris Morris: The fast bowling all-rounder has so far looked lethal with the ball in hand. Morris is presently the most economical bowler this IPL. Come to the match against KXIP he not only will be an asset with the ball but also with the willow late down the order. 

Yuzvendra Chahal: The small ground dimensions of Sharjah does not intimidate Chahal that we saw in the last fixture. In his 4 overs, he gave away just the 12 runs and also picked a wicket. 

KL Rahul: The KXIP will be hoping that he bats nearly as good as he did against RCB in their first match. The leading run-getter this season is once again expected to make plenty of runs at Sharjah. 

Nicholas Pooran: The destructive southpaw will be a major threat for RCB in the later overs. Pooran has looked in phenomenal touch in the last few match and should be a part of your fantasy XI. 

Mayank Agarwal: The consistent Mayank Agarwal is likely to bat at number 3 against RCB. He already has a hundred to his name at Sharjah this season and will be eyeing another big score against his old side. 

Ravi Bishnoi: The exciting Ravi Bishnoi will be a real handful if the pitch once again grips at Sharjah. He will be up against the likes of Kohli and De Villiers and will be keen on producing some magical deliveries and make an impression. 

Also Read: IPL 2020: AB de Villiers You Hitting Cars Now? Asks Kagiso Rabada After His Epic Six At Sharjah

Captain and Vice-Captain Picks

Captain: Ab de Villiers

Vice-Captain: KL Rahul

Fantasy 11 team

Wicket-Keeper – AB De Villiers

Batsmen –Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran

All-Rounders – Chris Morris, Washington Sundar

Bowlers – Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami. 

Also Read: IPL 2020: Take A Sneak Peek Of What’s Inside Virat Kohli’s Kit Bag