The double-headers are back again and Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore lock horns in the first game at the Dubai International Stadium. The encounter holds a lot for both the teams as they will want to secure the two points to stay in the top half of the points table.
In their last game against Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore tactical moves came back to hurt them. Sending their left-handers in Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube ahead of AB de Villiers to negate KXIP’s legspinners was a gamble that cost them, finishing with a gettable 171 in Sharjah.
Even in the second innings, they held back powerplay brainbox Sundar for Chris Gayle‘s arrival and let Mayank Agarwal and Rahul set the platform for their win. Once Gayle was settled, he belted the offspinner for four of the five sixes in his 53. Virat Kohli & Co will have to stick to their template as they look to return to winning ways.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have had a disappointing campaign with their batting failing consistently to rally around their batters. The top-order need to fire if they have to strum the right chords and keep themselves alive in the competition.
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The bowling has been reasonably good from Rajasthan Royals with Jofra Archer leading the pack. He will once again have to deliver the goods against heavyweight Royal Challengers Bangalore batting to sneak in a win.
IPL 2020: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in Dubai on October 17 (Saturday) from 3:30 PM IST
Pitch Conditions
The wickets have slowed down considerably with the tournament progressing. The slow bowlers will come into the game and the teams winning the toss will look to bat first. Dew won’t play any factor in the game.
Predicted Playing XI
Rajasthan Royals: Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Smith (c), Sanju Samson, Robin Uthappa, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi
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Royal Challengers Bangalore: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal
Match Prediction – Who will win the game?
There is nothing much to differentiate between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals in head-to-head encounters. The last time these two teams met in IPL 2020, Bangalore completely dominated Steve Smith & Co winning the game by eight wickets.
The trend is likely to continue and Bangalore can earn those two crucial points to strengthen their grip in the top half of the points table.