Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore go head to head in Match 39 of the Vivo IPL 2016. Two teams positioned precariously on the table, with slim chances of making the playoffs, and their hope hanging in balance will take on each other. Both the teams will look continue with their winning form and a loss for either side in this encounter is likely to throw them out of the race of making it to the top four. A lot will be at stake and expect an edgy encounter at Mohali.
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Venue: IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Match Date: May 09,2016
Match Timings: 8:00 PM, IST
If Kings XI Punjab bat first
Predicted Score: 180 or above
The ammunition in the Punjab batting line-up in the shape of a Maxwell or a Miller can power the Kings to a total of 180 or above against an RCB bowling line up that has been at the very least really poor this season. Both the openers for Punjab, Vijay and Stoinis has been amongst the runs in the last couple of games and expect them to provide a solid start to the Kings. Amla can play the anchor's role and that just might give someone like Maxwell or Miller the freedom take off and if either of the two get going it will be a nightmare for Bangalore.
When it come to Punjab the limelight will always be on the likes of Maxwell or Miller. Saha didn’t have the ideal start to the IPL but has found his touch at last. Axar Patel seems to be walking into bat at fifth gear and his little cameo towards the end proved to be the difference against Delhi.
The KXIP bowling led by the two Sharmas had proved to be really hard to put away, and both Sandeep and Mohit having chipped in the wickets and expect them to give the Bangalore batting line up a hard time. Stoinis who opens the batting for Punjab is also a gem of a bowler and the Aussie will create issues for Kohli and co.
The death bowling for the by Punjab has been extraordinary for the last two games, the bowlers have seldom missed their length and have varied their pace perfectly. Punjab will bank on Axar and Cariappa in the sppin bowling Department to control the flow of runs in the middle overs.
If Royal Challengers Bangalore bat first
Predicted Score: 170 or above
The star studded batting line up of the Royal Challengers have been their strongest suit this season. Virat Kohli has continued from where he left in the World T20 and is leading from the front with the bat. There will be concern over the form of AB de Villiers, the hard hitting South African just hasn’t been able to deliver regularly.
Gayle too has been out of touch and has lost his place in the starting 11. Rahul has delivered with the bat, but then he is no Gayle. Travis Head will look to impress if he gets his opportunity again.
The likes of Binny, Watson, and Sachin Baby have had little opportunities with the bat, but they have come up with the goods when needed. Watson particularly has been handy with the bat and even Baby has shown that he can hit a cricket ball hard and far.
The bowling has been a concern for the Royal Challengers and the injury to Mitchell Starc has hurt them bad. So the batting will need to be flawless, but scoring runs wouldn’t be easy for Bangalore against a very disciplined Punjab bowling unit.
Chris Jordan has been flown in to replace the injured Starc and the Bangalore fans will have their hopes pinned on the Englishman to come up with the goods. Given the tendency of the Mohali pitch to aid the pace bowlers, Arvind and Aaron might start for RCB.
Kohli will expect them to be better than their recent displays with the ball if Bangalore wants to come back from Punjab with a win. Watson has been impressive with the bowl and the onus will be on the Aussie to deliver again. Chahal, will look to generate some spin from the pitch, and he his intelligent bowling and could be Bangalore’s answer for someone like Maxwell.
Probable Winners: Kings XI Punjab
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