The mid-week match at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bangalore, both the teams separated by two points, pursuing to cement their places for the playoffs.
Knights, when last time met horns with the Royal Challengers, suffered a hefty loss of 82-runs, they surely are looking forward cover it up. The new leader, Morgan might have some changes in his side, he’d be interested to try out Narine on the flat Abu Dhabi surface. They come off an easy super over win against the Sunrisers Hyderabad thanks to Lockie Ferguson heroics. It’s vital for them to win this match if they want to entertain hopes of the top four.
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‘King Kohli’s’ Royal Challengers Bangalore too, are coming off a confident win against Rajasthan Royals, but the journey ahead for them isn’t tranquil. They should ensure to accumulate all the possible wins now because the upcoming matches are against Mumbai Indians and table toppers Delhi Capitals. They definitely are looking for the top-two finish which gives them a better chance to win their maiden title aside from the colossal confidence they reap.
We anticipate a mid-table bash tonight, between brawny sides as two paramount points are up for grabs. let’s take a look at the top 5 players to watch out for.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 key players we should watch out for when Kolkata Knight Riders lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore:
1. AB de Villiers
There’s an aura around this south African, and every cricket lover has felt it. Mr. 360, the outright mastermind, has been monumental as always for his side. He single-handedly helped the Royal Challengers to victory, twice, already in this season. And he struck the last time too when he faced the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Until now, he has scored 285 runs in 9 innings, with a prodigious strike-rate of 190.00; when he is on strike, the bowlers have been fearful rather than sanguine. To somewhat articulate, he has been unstoppable.
2. Chris Morris
This South African has been one of the most effective players in t20 cricket in recent years. Restrictor with the ball at the top, and the death too, he has provided much needed optimum balance to his side.
It took him only 4 innings to take 9 wickets, fastest amongst others, he has been radiant. Absolute as a fielder and a power hitter of the ball too, down the order, he is really out-an-out as an all-rounder for the Royal Challengers Bangalore this season.
3. Lockie Ferguson
The New Zealand pacer set the stage ablaze in his first match against the Sunrisers. Bowled the brilliant super over, restricting Hyderabad to only a couple runs, after bowling out the captain David Warner and young Abdul Samad, leading the Kolkata Knight Riders to a fashionable win.
He receipted three wickets in the twenty overs which the Kolkata Knight Riders bowled, economically. The team management is surely going to bank on him as he seems to be gleaming profusely. He is one player we definitely need to watch out for.
4. Virat Kohli
Leader of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, ‘King Kohli’ never seems to shy away from a challenge, and here he’s up for it, to win the maiden title for his side. After precisely three disappointing matches in the start, Kohli has gained his momentum back.
Six back-to-back forty plus scores, shy of one actually with 33, he has been consistent. Holds back one batting end and lets other dazzle boundaries, sometimes, if not, he ousts them and takes charge himself, which he is very well capable of. Nothing short of cogent has been the captain.
5. Shubman Gill
The youngster has gained many fans ever since the dusk of the under-19 world cup 2018. He was retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders management as they see an immense amount of potential in him but is yet to deliver much-awaited big innings for his side.
Though he has been the leading run-scorer for his side, his strike rate is hurting them for someone up top. Scoring 311 runs in 9 innings he has been average at best, with his surely less than average strike rate of 113. His inability to change gears after the powerplay has been evident throughout this season. He has been working hard in nets and looks forward to changing fortunes for him and his side before it’s too late.