The 50th match of this IPL will see the Rajasthan Royals taking on Kings XI Punjab in Abu Dhabi. It will be a must-win for both the team and a loss for RR means their campaign is over. KL Rahul-led KXIP has been on a roll, and they do not just depend on his contributions to win games. Steve Smith has been inconsistent so far, and RR will hope a captain’s knock from him is not far away.
KXIP have won 5 games on the trot in a stunning turnaround in fortunes and form for them. A side that was last on the points table at the halfway mark now finds themselves on the cusp of a playoff spot if they can win their last 2 games. They won their last match against KKR by 8 wickets in Sharjah chasing 150. The bowlers, especially Shami, was brilliant in what was a good batting surface and restricted them to 149. Man of the match Chris Gayle and Mandeep Singh scored the fifties to take Kings over the line.
RR’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes finally came into his own after a string of poor performances since his return. But in the all-important game against Mumbai, he scored his 2nd IPL ton and first after 2018. Chasing 196, RR was off to a poor start losing 2 wickets for 44 runs, but an unbeaten 152 run partnership between Samson and Stokes kept them alive in this tournament. They still have many things to ponder as far as their bowling is concerned.
Key Players
Batsman – KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Sanju Samson, and Jos Buttler.
KL Rahul had rare failures in his last 3 games and will want to play a match-winning knock in this all-important game. The universe now seems to be the missing link for KXIP and after his return, they have roared back into contention. He has been instrumental in taking pressure off of KXIP’s skipper KL Rahul. Sanju Samson finally has found some form after scoring a timely half-century and playing a second fiddle to Ben stokes. Jos Buttler wasn’t required last game but is an important part of the RR batting line-up.
All Rounder- Ben Stokes, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Jordon, and Glenn Maxwell.
Ben Stokes showed he is a class act by striking a century in a successful chase of 195 against MI. What is more special is that the quality of pacers the Mumbai team had and the English all-rounder proved why he is the best. Rahul Tewatia is one of the good things coming out of this IPL and RR will hope he will continue his good work. Chris Jordon has turned a leaf since making his return to the playing XI taking important wickets as well as scoring handy runs. KXIP will hope Glenn Maxwell is saving his best for the business end of the tournament.
Bowlers – Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Murugan Ashwin, and Mohammad Shami.
Jofra Archer has the best economy rate for fast bowlers who have played in over 10 games. He has been the pick of the Royals bowlers in this taking 17 wickets but couldn’t find any able support from the rest. Shreyas Gopal has not been at his best this IPL and would want to finish on a high. Murugan Ashwin has been pretty impressive in the games he has played and some of his googlies are unplayable. Mohammad Shami is in the race for winning the purple cap and has been one of the bowlers on the view in this IPL.
Battles to look forward
- Chris Jordon vs Jos Buttler
- Mohammad Shami vs Ben Stokes
- Jofra Archer vs KL Rahul and Chris Gayle
Chris Jordon is finding his best form yet at the business end of this IPL and the Kings will be happy with that. If he can get his countrymen and the important player of the Royals Jos Butler, it will help the KXIP in a great way. Mohammad Shami has been brilliant with the new ball this IPL and his battle with the Royals opener Ben Stokes will be brilliant to watch. Jofra Archer has always picked wickets in the powerplay and if he can get one of Rahul or Gayle, it can put RR in the driver’s seat.
Head to Head between RR and KXIP.
- Matches Played: 20
- KXIP Won: 9
- RR won: 11
Match conditions
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Date & Timings: October 30, 2020, at 7.30 PM IST.
Weather: Clear with the temperature around 30 C.
Pitch: Likely to be a slow surface with the possibility of due.
