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IPL 51st Match Preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Charbel Coorey
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What a perfect result last night for the team from Bangalore. MI’s very tight win over KXIP has made this game even more interesting, all part of the amazing finish to the IPL 2018 group stage.

Royal Challengers Bangalore come into this game on the back of two straight wins, including a thumping of KXIP that has them roaring back into playoffs contention. MI’s close win against KXIP means that RCB are still within reachable distance of MI’s NRR, but more importantly, if they continue the good cricket they have played in the last two games, they are a chance (slight) of progressing to the next stage.

It is easier said than done though, as RCB host top of the table Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH were totally outplayed in Pune against CSK, and while their passage to the playoffs was sealed a while back, they will not want two straight defeats as part of their preparation for the playoffs. Can SRH’s bowlers bounce back after being absolutely dismantled by Ambati Rayudu and co? Or will the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have similar success?

All to play for in what promises to be a really interesting game.

Key to a Royal Challengers Bangalore win

To the surprise of myself and undoubtedly many fans, RCB’s bowling (outside the death overs), especially in the powerplay overs, has been quite impressive throughout the tournament. This was at the fore against KXIP, dismissing the dangerous KL Rahul cheaply, which was the catalyst to bowling KXIP out for just 88.
The key here will be to dismiss Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson cheaply. Against SRH in the previous meeting in IPL 2018, RCB dismissed Shikhar Dhawan early, and restricted SRH to 146. In SRH’s last two games, Dhawan and Williamson have combined for 305 runs, including an unbeaten 176 run stand to chase down 187 with ease against DD. 
Of course the focus is also on AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli, and whether they can lead RCB in getting on top of the best attack in IPL 2018. If they can, they are a great chance of keeping their season alive.

Key to a Sunrisers Hyderabad win

SRH’s bowlers were uncharacteristically bad against CSK, either dropping too short or bowling too full amid the carnage, led by Ambati Rayudu. The key here is improvement, restricting RCB to below 170 if possible. Specifically, the wickets of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, as is the case in any RCB match, are very important.
Also, the contribution of SRH’s top three will be a key factor to the result. Kane Williamson and Shikhar Dhawan are in very good form at the moment, and if Alex Hales can put pressure on RCB in those powerplay overs, SRH can set a strong platform when either setting or chasing a score.

Predicted teams

Expect RCB to stick with the same team that thrashed KXIP.
Royal Challengers Bangalore XI: 1. Parthiv Patel (wk), 2. Virat Kohli, 3. AB de Villiers, 4. Mandeep Singh, 5. Sarfaraz Khan 6. Colin de Grandhomme, 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Umesh Yadav, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yusuf Pathan missed the previous game due to soreness, and will perhaps not be rushed back for this game. There is a chance though that Wriddhiman Saha will return from a shoulder injury.

Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Kane Williamson, 4. Manish Pandey, 5. Deepak Hooda, 6. Shakib Al Hasan, 7. Wriddhiman Saha, 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Siddarth Kaul, 11. Sandeep Sharma

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 11, RCB 4, SRH 7
  • In the previous meeting between these two sides in IPL 2018, SRH won by five runs, defending 146.
  • RCB have lost four of five matches batting first. SRH on the other hand have won four from five.
  • SRH have won their last four matches against RCB.
  • Save Sandeep Sharma for Kohli? He has got the India captain five times in 33 balls in IPL cricket.
  • RCB concede 8 an over in the powerplay (one of the best), but 12.18 at the death (worst).

Prediction

So much at stake for one team, and the opportunity to get back in the winner’s circle for the other.
I just have this feeling RCB will be up for this game, and win to keep their season alive. Promises to a great encounter!

IPL 50th Match Preview: Mumbai Indians v Kings XI Punjab

Charbel Coorey
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Two last start losers will be looking to make amends in IPL 2018’s 50th match. If we don’t see the rubbish MI and especially KXIP dished up in their respective previous games, we could actually see a decent game of cricket!

Mumbai Indians are teasing us. One moment, they look like title contenders, and another, they remind us of why they find themselves in this do-or-die position in the first place. A game against RR at home presented a great opportunity to get into third place, but they didn’t take advantage of the good start their openers gave them, and slumped to a disappointing loss. Can they get it right tonight? They must, as a loss would knock them out of the tournament for good.

As disappointing as MI were at times v RR, it does not even begin to compare with Kings XI Punjab‘s horror show at home to RCB. Forget Hollywood or Bollywood, the KXIP performance was good enough (or bad enough) to sell out tickets to 2018’s blockbuster horror movie in cinemas around the globe. Some tough decisions will have to be made on an underperforming middle order, so expect to see changes today.

Key to a Mumbai Indians win

Watching the MI innings against RR, I couldn’t help but think Rohit Sharma was a little edgy on the sidelines, perhaps hoping his opening pair could score a little quicker. The result was an edgy second half of the innings, with the catalyst the loss of 4/32 off 3.4 overs (including first-ball duck for Rohit) after the openers put on 87 in 10.4.
The key tonight v KXIP will be to have another solid start, and the middle order to take advantage.
Also, a huge key will be whether MI can dismiss KL Rahul and Chris Gayle relatively cheaply. RCB did that, and the result spoke volumes, as KXIP’s middle order is performing about as well as Cheteshwar Pujara is in the English County Cricket competition.

Key to a Kings XI Punjab win

For one man team KXIP, players other than KL Rahul need to stand up and be counted. Their performance against RCB, whilst unacceptable, was not a surprise to anyone. Once KL Rahul was dismissed, the fear of KXIP fans and the skepticism of others about KXIP’s chances in this tournament was justified. 
Also, their bowlers have left plenty to be desired. Granted, no one is expected to defend 88, but conceding 245 just two days earlier on the same ground against KKR shows that batting isn’t their only worry. R Ashwin has spoken of aggressive, positive captaincy throughout the tournament – he needs to lead his bowlers well in restricting MI as much as possible.

Predicted teams:

Despite their last start loss, MI should stick with the same team. They won four of their previous five matches.
Mumbai Indians XI: 1. Evin Lewis, 2. Suryakumar Yadav, 3. Rohit Sharma (c), 4. Ishan Kishan (wk), 5. JP Duminy, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Ben Cutting, 9. Mitchell McClenaghan, 10. Mayank Markande, 11. Jasprit Bumrah
For KXIP, surely David Miller gets a game? Also, no update as yet on whether Mujeeb ur Rahman will play.
Kings XI Punjab XI: 1. KL Rahul, 2. Chris Gayle, 3. Mayank Agarwal, 4. Karun Nair, 5. Aaron Finch, 6. David Miller, 7. Axar Patel, 8. R Ashwin, 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Mohit Sharma, 11. Ankit Rajpoot
Good question, Dale…

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 21, MI 11, KXIP 10
  • KXIP have won four of seven matches against MI at the Wankhede.
  • KXIP have won just two of their past seven matches to slip out of the top four.
  • Rohit Sharma in MI losses averages 6.6 and strikes at 88 per 100 balls. In wins, he averages 73 and strikes at 155 per 100 balls.
  • Suryakumar has the most runs by an uncapped Indian in IPL history (473).
  • The winner of this game will move to fourth. If MI lose, they are finished for the season.

Prediction:

MI are used to high pressure games of late. This is their very last chance to stay alive in the tournament, and I believe they will stay alive by the end of the night against a KXIP side that looks quite poor at the moment.

PLAYER RATINGS: Pakistan survive scare against awesome Ireland

Charbel Coorey
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Hey ICC, how good is it to see teams like Ireland do well?

It’s time these nations get the opportunities they deserve, as well as getting rid of the 10-team World Cup after next year.

Anyway, we were treated to an excellent Test match, Ireland’s first ever in men’s cricket. Their effort in fighting back into the Test after following on, and then being right in with a chance of winning on the final day was excellent. Credit to Pakistan for holding their nerve, and picking up an important win, ahead of the England Tests.

So, who were the best performing players? Have a look at my player ratings out of 10 for each player, and you’re more than welcome to share your views, too!

Ireland Player Ratings:

Ed Joyce: There aren’t many players more deserving a Test debut than Ed Joyce, who must have been resigned to the fact he could never play a Test. His second innings effort of 43 gave Ireland a promising second innings star. Also took a superb second innings catch to dismiss Haris Sohail and give Ireland a sniff. 6

William Porterfield: Led Ireland very well throughout this Test, and also dug in well in the second innings to give Ireland a good start. Would have liked more runs, but a promising performance nonetheless. 4

Andy Balbirnie: Tough Test for Balbirnie, who bagged a pair, and dropped a crucial catch on the fifth day with Pakistan 60/3 chasing 160. 0

Niall O’Brien: One of Ireland’s key players ahead of the Test, but didn’t make much of an impact with the bat, scoring 0 and 18. Was good with the gloves behind the stumps, and nice and chirpy too. 3

Paul Stirling: Looked really good in the first innings before getting out to a shocking shot. Two double-digit scores, but would have liked more. 3

Kevin O’Brien: Deservedly Man of the Match. What a performance from KOB, playing another memorable innings for Ireland, hitting 118 in the second innings to give his team a chance of victory. This was in addition to 40 in the first innings, scoring nearly a third of his team’s total. 10

What a knock it was under pressure by Kevin O’Brien

Gary Wilson: Helped get Ireland past the 100 mark in the first innings with a solid 33* amid the carnage. 6

Stuart Thompson: Superb effort from Thompson in this Test, taking four wickets and hitting a second innings half century. He was so persistent with ball and bat, and it took an incredible ball from Shadab Khan to end his second innings effort. 8

Tyrone Kane: One of Ireland’s up and coming cricketers, who should not be too discouraged despite not taking a wicket. He looked better in his six second innings overs, after a fighting knock with the bat to keep Pakistan at bay. 3

Boyd Rankin: The only member of the team who played a Test before this one. Fought with the bat but was expensive with the ball. You would have been forgiven for wanting more from Boyd. 5

Tim Murtagh: The man with over 700 first class wickets, and what a Test debut he had. He was at the Pakistan batsmen all the time, nipping out wickets with beautiful swing and seam bowling. Six wickets for the Test, and ran in tirelessly for Ireland as they were right in with a chance of winning. 9

Pakistan Player Ratings:


Azhar Ali: The poor form from the tour matches continued for Azhar, with six runs across two innings in Dublin. This is a concern for Pakistan, as he is a key player for the England Tests. 1

Imam-ul-Haq: Superb effort in guiding Pakistan home in his debut Test. His unbeaten 74 in the second innings is very promising, considering it was made under pressure. 8

Haris Sohail: Start in the first innings – held the innings together for a little while after a tough start for Pakistan. Out to a loose shot second time around. More expected from a key player in England. 5

Asad Shafiq: Solid 62 in the first innings, but gave his wicket away. Then, a loose drive in the second innings to get bowled through the gate. Enough positives to take from this game, but in England, he needs to make better use of his good form. 6

Babar Azam: Has struggled in Test cricket to date, but that second innings fifty under pressure could be a big confidence boost. Was helped by a dropped catch when Pakistan were 60/3, but still played well. 6

Sarfraz Ahmed: Would have been a nervy day four and five for the Pakistan captain, but his team got home in the end. Not much for him to write home about with the bat, though. 3

Shadab Khan: Superb performance from the 19 year old. He has big shoes to fill with Yasir Shah out injured, and he delivered in this Test. A half century and four wickets represents a great return in seamer-friendly conditions. 9

Faheem Ashraf: A very impressive Test debut, highlighted by a fine 83 in the first innings. A wicket + economical bowling effort right throughout the second innings rounded a solid performance. 8

Mohammad Amir: Concerns about his chronic knee problem didn’t stop Amir from having a fine Test. 2/9 off 10 overs in the first innings was backed up with 3/63 off 29.2 overs in the second. What a superb performance from a superb bowler. 9

Mohammad Abbas: Match figures of 9/110 are the best by a Pakistan fast bowler in eight years. It was a superb show of control by Abbas, targeting the Irish with unrelenting accuracy. He is no doubt a key player for Pakistan in England. 10

Abbas was unlucky not to get Man of the Match



Rahat Ali: No wickets for a bowler who can’t quite seem to cut it at Test level. Whether he gets picked for the first Test in England remains to be seen. 3


Final say:

This was a memorable first Test from an Ireland perspective, pushing Pakistan on days four and five, when it even looked like they could lose by an innings. They can take a lot of heart and encouragement from this performance, and here’s to more opportunities at Test level for them. 

For Pakistan, in typical Pakistan-style, they showed some good things and some bad. They will need to iron out a few issues, including their top order, for when they take the field v England.

All in all, it was an exciting Test, and am thankful the bad weather stayed away after the first day.

IPL 49th Match Preview: Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals

Charbel Coorey
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Two points separate five teams battling for two playoff spots. The IPL 2018 group stage has been relevant and exciting right the way through, and it is anyone’s guess as to what will happen next!

KKR and RR both sit on six wins and six losses, but the journey both have taken to get here has been quite the contrast. KKR have had a win-loss pattern develop right throughout the tournament, whereas RR have stormed into contention following the promotion (by chance?) of Jos Buttler to opener, who has hit five straight half centuries.

Kolkata Knight Riders’ power was on show at Indore v KXIP, amassing 245/6, the fourth highest IPL score of all time. However, looking at KXIP’s performance v RCB last night, they are clearly a team on the decline, so it’s fair to say KKR will be tested more against an RR side that is on a three-match winning streak. Can KKR utilise spin effectively at Eden Gardens? Can they get Jos Buttler early? Can they overpower the RR attack? Three “yes” answers to these questions will have KKR fans yelling “yes” after the match.

Rajasthan Royals were in contention of finishing last just three matches ago, but led by Jos Buttler, they have turned their fortunes around. After KXIP’s capitulation last night, RR now sit fourth, and have the chance to go to third and one step closer to achieving what seemed an unlikely playoffs berth. They have been efficient with the ball in recent games, and taming the dangerous KKR line up is vital, along with a contribution by and support for Jos Buttler.


Key to a Kolkata Knight Riders win

Sunil Narine is such a vital weapon at the top of the order for KKR. When he gets going, KKR are often successful, and it was the case at Indore against KXIP. He set the platform for his team to build on, and build on they did, with four others reaching at least 20, including Dinesh Karthik’s superb 50 of just 23 balls. Another complete batting performance against RR will be the order of the day.
Also, the wicket of Jos Buttler is key. In his last five innings, Buttler has amassed 67, 51, 82, 95* and 94*, which includes three man of the match performances in a row. Imagine the panic in the RR change room if Buttler gets out early? His performance again will be important, as well as what support he gets.

Key to a Rajasthan Royals win

Jos Buttler can’t be expected to fire every time, and if he doesn’t at Eden Gardens, who else will step up? Like KKR, a complete, collaborative batting performance, based on putting pressure on the bowling, is key for RR away from home.
Also, the RR bowlers will come under quite the test at Eden Gardens. KKR possess in-form, potentially very damaging batsmen from their top order through to the middle, and RR will need to bowl with control, with regular wickets. 
All associated with RR would have been very encouraged with their effort against MI, restricting them to 168/6 after an opening partnership of 87, which RR followed up with 4/32 to ruin the MI innings. The same focus and persistence is key here.

Predicted teams:

KKR were dominant at Indore, despite conceding 214/8 v KXIP. It remains to be seen whether Shivam Mavi has recovered fully from his finger injury. If he has, one of Piyush Chawla or Kuldeep Yadav could potentially miss out due to Prasidh Krishna’s decent outing v KXIP.

Kolkata Knight Riders XI: 1. Sunil Narine, 2. Chris Lynn, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 6. Andre Russell, 7. Shubman Gill, 8. Javon Searles, 9. Prasidh Krishna/Shivam Mavi, 10. Piyush Chawla, 11. Kuldeep Yadav

I expect RR to go in with the same XI as their previous match.

Rajasthan Royals XI: 1. D’Arcy Short, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 4. Sanju Samson, 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Stuart Binny, 7. Jofra Archer, 8. K Gowtham, 9. Shreyas Gopal, 10. Jaydev Unadkat, 11. Dhawal Kulkarni

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 16, KKR 7, RR 9
  • KKR have won four out of five matches against RR at Eden Gardens.
  • The pitch could have some good pace and bounce, but KKR will still be banking on their spinners to do well. KKR’s spinners have taken 38 wickets in IPL 2018, the most of any team.
  • KKR have the highest economy rate of any team (9.41) and RR the lowest number of wickets taken (60).
  • KKR won the last match between the two sides (in IPL 2018) by 7 wickets.

Prediction:

Both teams’ NRR could do with some improvement, especially considering the likes of MI and RCB are in the positives.

Despite their shortcomings with the ball, both sides have good things going for them. At home though, I expect KKR to win and get their fifth win out of six meetings with RR at Eden Gardens. 

All to play for!

IPL 48th Match Preview: Kings XI Punjab v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Charbel Coorey
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Just nine games to go until the playoffs. The business end of the tournament is upon us – who will be hot and who will not?

Could Kings XI Punjab, a team early in the tournament considered a threat for the IPL 2018 title, miss the playoffs altogether? Their reliance on KL Rahul and Chris Gayle at the moment mirrors RCB’s reliance on AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. With just two wins in their last six games, KXIP can’t afford to totter anymore, as a number of teams are breathing down their necks aiming for a playoffs spot. Tonight’s game represents a vital one for them, in an attempt to arrest their slide.

Royal Challengers Bangalore kept their season alive with a win over now-eliminated DD, and I will provide no prizes for guessing who yet again guided them to victory, otherwise I’d be broke! AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli were superb in a pressure-filled situation, after RCB made an excellent start with the ball. However, their death bowling again left a little to be desired, and today, they need early wickets otherwise they could be facing a massive total.

Key to a Kings XI Punjab win

There are a couple of key factors that will determine whether KXIP have a successful evening. Despite KXIP scoring a huge total in the failed chasing against KKR, the opening pair of Chris Gayle and KL Rahul remains vital to their chances. Surprisingly, RCB have held their own pretty well in powerplay overs throughout IPL 2018, so the onus will be on these two to push RCB onto the back foot.
Also, the wickets of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli are like gold. RCB have shown that if these two fail, they don’t win games, so there is no doubt that this is a key avenue to victory for KXIP.

Key to a Royal Challengers Bangalore win

AB de Villiers has especially been superb in RCB wins this season, and so too Virat Kohli. These two need to fire if RCB are to stay alive in the playoffs race.
To paint a picture, AB de Villiers’ scores in RCB wins in IPL 2018 reads: 57 (40), 90* (39) and 72* (37). Throughout the whole of the season, he and Kohli have scored 45.60% of RCB’s runs. It’s easy to realise that they need to shoulder the load again, but others such as Moeen Ali and Colin de Grandhomme need to fire, too.
Also, if RCB can get the wickets of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle relatively cheaply, they can target the uncertain KXIP middle order, and potentially have an excellent middle and death overs period with the ball. It is all to play for now, and RCB need to nail it with their execution.

Possible teams

KXIP managed 214/8 against KKR, with contributions right throughout the order, but the result was a forlorn conclusion pretty early in their chase. Their middle order remains a concern, so I expect to see some changes in an attempt to arrest their slide. Also, onus will be on the bowlers after conceding 245/6 against KKR on the same ground, just two days ago.
Kings XI Punjab XI: 1. KL Rahul (wk), 2. Chris Gayle, 3. Karun Nair, 4. Aaron Finch, 5. David Miller, 6. Manoj Tiwary, 7. Ravichandran Ashwin (c), 8. Axar Patel, 9. Mohit Sharma, 10. AJ Tye, 11. Ankit Rajpoot
After RCB’s successful trip to Delhi, expect them to stick with the same combination. Efficient bowling through all stages of the KXIP innings will be key, as well as greater contributions from players not named “Virat Kohli” or “AB de Villiers”.
Royal Challengers Bangalore XI: 1. Parthiv Patel (wk), 2. Moeen Ali, 3. Virat Kohli, 4. AB de Villiers, 5. Mandeep Singh, 6. Sarfraz Khan, 7. Colin de Grandhomme, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Mohammad Siraj, 10. Umesh Yadav, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 21, KXIP 12, RCB 9
  • The previous meeting between the two sides was in IPL 2018, where RCB won by four wickets, after bowling KXIP out for 155. Umesh Yadav was man of the match.
  • KXIP have had 12 partnerships of 50 or more this season. KL Rahul has been involved in 10 of them.
  • Seven out of eight IPL games at Indore have been won by the team chasing.
  • KXIP concede 7.88 an over in the powerplay, and RCB 8.00. These teams are two of the best in this period.

Prediction

This result on hinges significantly on the battle between Gayle/Rahul and Kohli/de Villiers, which makes it difficult to predict. At Indore, KXIP could be considered favourites win, but I believe RCB are a big chance of winning this game, which should make it a really exciting one. Can’t wait to see how it pans out.

IPL 47th Match Preview: Mumbai Indians v Rajasthan Royals

Charbel Coorey
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Another day, another high stakes clash in IPL 2018. With the Sydney, Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka etc. like traffic logjam in the middle of the table, there are so many possibilities, and two of the teams fighting for a top four spot are in action tonight.

Mumbai Indians have done what they do best – storm into contention out of nowhere. This season, they looked gone, especially after getting bowled out for their equal lowest ever score of 87 against SRH. However, their top order has been superb in leading them to four wins in their last five games, and their bowlers have been SRH-like, not conceding a total of 180+ since April 14th.

Can they keep the momentum going?

Rajasthan Royals are alive in the tournament thanks to some unbelievable wins, with Jos Buttler most recently leading them to a fantastic win against 2nd placed CSK. As England flopped in limited overs cricket, headlined by their massive failure in the 2015 ODI World Cup, Jos Buttler was a player they wished to build their new team around, and they have benefited like RR have in IPL 2018.

Can he fire again, with support from others, to keep RR’s chances alive for another game?

All to play for.

Key to a Mumbai Indians win

MI’s blueprint for success in recent games has been on the back of excellent contributions from their top order and efficient, collaborative bowling performances. The numbers back it up.
MI have won four of their past five matches, and in those victories, each of their top four batsmen (on paper) have stepped up. Suryakumar Yadav, Evin Lewis, Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma have combined for a total of 541 runs across these four matches, at an average of 41.62, and SR of 141.25. These are strong numbers in anyone’s book, and it’s no surprise that it’s helped turn their season around. They need to do the same tonight.
What’s also helped turn their season around is their superb bowling efforts. They have put dot-ball pressure on their opponents on a regular basis, and this, with their top order firing, has led to the familiar rise of MI in May.
MI have hit really great form, after thrashing KKR

Key to a Rajasthan Royals win

CSK were on track for 200+ a couple of nights ago, and RR’s bowling, which has been disappointing on most occasions, held strong to restrict them to 176. They need a similar effort tonight, as the MI top order is in form. 
Another key is Jos Buttler. He has now scored four half centuries in a row, and has made the opening position his own. He is capable of getting on top of the efficient MI attack, and if he can get support from the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Ben Stokes, RR have what it takes to set or chase a large total.
Off the back of two straight wins, RR need to be feeling confident. A win here will put them equal with KXIP and KKR, who sit 3rd and 4th respectively.
Jos Buttler has made the opening position his own

Predicted teams

Expect MI to stick with their winning combination.
Mumbai Indians XI: 1. Suryakumar Yadav, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Rohit Sharma (c), 4. Ishan Kishan (wk), 5. Hardik Pandya, 6. JP Duminy, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Ben Cutting, 9. Mitchell McClenaghan, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Mayank Markande

With RR on a decent run, expect them to also stick with their winning combination.
Rajasthan Royals XI: 1. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Sanju Samson, 4. Ben Stokes, 5. Prashant Chopra, 6. Stuart Binny, 7. K Gowtham, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Shreyas Gopal, 10. Jaydev Unadkat, 11. Ish Sodhi

Stats and Facts

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 17, MI 10, RR 7
  • MI will move into third position on the table if they win this match, thanks to their superior NRR compared to KXIP and KKR. RR will move to fifth, equal with KXIP and KKR, if they win.
  • RR have won just one out of five away from home this season.
  • Jos Buttler has contributed 46% of RR’s runs since moving to opener.
  • MI have won four of five matches v RR at the Wankhede.

Prediction:

Jos Buttler has been a huge key to RR’s chances, but if he fails, who else will step up? This is my concern with RR at the moment, and MI have a range of players who can step up if needed. Their efficiency with bat and ball in the last few games has been something to behold, and I expect them to continue their run to the playoffs with a win tonight. 
MI to go to third on the IPL 2018 table by the end of the night.

IPL 46th Match Preview: Chennai Super Kings v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Charbel Coorey
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0

Top of the table clash, and what a battle it promises to be. What will the pitch be like? Do CSK prepare a slow pitch – the kind their bowlers are more suited to, or does that play right into SRH’s hands? Do they prepare a quicker pitch and put a much greater emphasis on executing their bowling plans much better than they did the other night?

There are some nice battles within the battle here, and it should be a great clash.

Chennai Super Kings tested the patience of their skipper and “Mr. Cool” MS Dhoni, who was clearly disappointed with the bowlers’ inability to follow instructions. “The bowlers were instructed what to bowl: back of a length. They could not execute. We were hit for a lot of boundaries of full balls. 176 was a par-plus score, the bowlers let us down.” It was a pretty scathing assessment of what went wrong, and now CSK have the chance to get things right against the already qualified SRH, with the likes of KXIP, KKR and MI still in with a chance of a top two finish.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are on a run of six straight wins, and the last one would have given their fans reason to smile from ear to ear. Rishabh Pant’s onslaught was out of the SRH curriculum for almost the entirety of IPL 2018, but to chase a 180+ score so easily (a score SRH hadn’t reached up until the last game) would have been so pleasing. Can they continue their momentum into the playoffs?

Key to a Chennai Super Kings win

CSK’s batting is arguably the best of any team in the tournament, but the biggest threat to them winning the title is their own bowling attack. A struggling RR needed 55 off the last 30 balls against them a few nights ago, and David Willey and Dwayne Bravo, two proven T20 players, didn’t execute as best they’d like. Ahead of the playoffs, they need to get things right.
Also, can one of their batsmen pull off something similar to what Rishabh Pant did? It’s a big ask, but even a 30-ball cameo at a SR of 200 (or close to) can allow the others to keep the momentum going. With CSK, it’s possible as they have batting talent right throughout their order. 
How they deal with the superb SRH attack will be key.
MS Dhoni was not happy with his bowlers. Photo credit: BCCI

Key a Sunrisers Hyderabad win

If the SRH bowlers can keep the CSK batting line up relatively quiet, it will go a long way to victory.
The encouraging aspect for SRH in the last match is that even though Pant took them apart with 128* off 63 balls, they still conceded less than 200, and chased it superbly. Restricting CSK to a score of below 180 would be match winning in my opinion, as SRH’s top order has what it takes to take down CSK’s bowlers. 
SRH’s chances will stem from their intensity. Having already qualified for the playoffs, it’s easy to get into the mindset of relaxation, but momentum ahead of the playoffs is key.
Dhawan and Williamson put on an unbeaten 176 against DD

Possible teams

There is a bit of talk that Sam Billings could be recalled to provide additional batting cover against the impressive SRH attack, as well as bringing back Faf du Plessis to open, pushing Ambati Rayudu to number four. 
Chennai Super Kings XI: 1. Shane Watson, 2. Faf du Plessis, 3. Suresh Raina, 4. Ambati Rayudu, 5. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 6. Ravindra Jadeja, 7. Dwayne Bravo, 8. Harbhajan Singh, 9. Karn Sharma, 10. Shardul Thakur, 11. Lungi Ngidi
Wriddhiman Saha is said to not have recovered sufficiently from his shoulder injury, which means S Goswami will get another chance. SRH have spoken of their unwillingness to experiment ahead of the playoffs, which is the right call.
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Shakib Al Hasan, 5. Manish Pandey, 6. Yusuf Pathan, 7. Shreevats Goswami (wk), 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Siddharth Kaul, 11. Sandeep Sharma

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 7, CSK 5, SRH 2
  • In the previous meeting between the two sides this season, SRH nearly pulled off a miracle chasing thanks to Kane Williamson, Yusuf Pathan and Rashid Khan.
  • SRH’s winning streak of six is their longest ever in IPL.
  • Kane Williamson against spin bowling in IPL 2018: 164 balls faced, 202 runs, one dismissal.
  • Shane Watson needs 11 to reach 3,000 IPL runs.
  • CSK have won both matches against SRH in Pune, but have lost three of their past five matches in IPL 2018.

Prediction

All eyes will be on CSK to see how they bounce back from a disappointing loss to RR. Their bowling can’t be trusted at the moment, which is why I will go with SRH to make it seven straight wins.

IPL 45th Match Preview: Delhi Daredevils v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Charbel Coorey
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0

Delhi plays host to a playoff of some sort… An elimination playoff.

Journalists and analysts are doing their best to say Delhi Daredevils are still in with a shot at the playoffs, but it will be the miracle of all miracles. In any case, they would be pleased the miracle path begins with a battle against fellow strugglers Royal Challengers Bangalore. DD tried hard against SRH, but lacked the class. Against RCB, they could be in for a happier night.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have a game in hand over their nearest rivals on the table, and a win tonight could put them just two points behind fourth at the end of the night, provided KXIP beat KKR. However, it’s easy for me and the RCB fans to say this, but the RCB team continue to underwhelm. Surprisingly, it’s been their batting that has been the big let down in recent games, with their bowling actually holding up OK. Can they put a complete performance together tonight?

Key to a Delhi Daredevils

Rishabh Pant took it to the best attack in the tournament in SRH, hitting an amazing unbeaten century, which included 70 off 24 balls against Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan. However, when a single player scores 128* off 63 balls, you should be making 200+. This wasn’t the case, as the next best score was just 24, so DD need their talented line up on paper to deliver a complete effort.
Also, DD’s bowlers lacked bite, and not only failed to defend 187, but failed to defend such a total even within 19 overs. You don’t have to be Einstein to know RCB rely heavily on their top order, so early wickets and boundary restriction will be key
Rishabh Pant – what an innings v SRH

Key to a Royal Challengers Bangalore win

Incredibly, RCB’s bowling has kept them in with a chance of winning recent games. It’s been their batting that’s been the big disappointing, mustering 127/9 and 141 in their last two games against CSK and SRH respectively.
The key factor in those two games were the low scores for AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. At least one of these two need to fire tonight, with some strong finishing from the likes of Colin de Grandhomme and co. to give them a chance. Their bowling has been encouraging recently, but the batting needs to complement it. 
I can’t believe I am saying this about RCB, but it’s the case!
Two key players for RCB, as always

Possible teams

Delhi Daredevils XI: 1. Prithvi Shaw, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Shreyas Iyer (c), 4. Rishabh Pant (wk), 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Vijay Shankar, 7. Liam Plunkett, 8. Amit Mishra, 9. Harshal Patel, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Shahbaz Nadeem
Royal Challengers Bangalore XI: 1. Manan Vohra, 2. Parthiv Patel (wk), 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. AB de Villiers, 5. Mandeep Singh, 6. Colin de Grandhomme, 7. Moeen Ali, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Umesh Yadav, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Mohammed Siraj

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 20, DD 6, RCB 13, NR 1
  • Rishabh Pant has a good chance of continuing where he left off against SRH. He likes playing against RCB – his last three scores against them are 57, 45 and 85.
  • Virat Kohli averages 83.75 in IPL matches at Kolta, including four half centuries in five matches.
  • Gautam Gambhir was captaining the DD side the last time they played RCB.
  • RCB have won all five matches at the Feroz Shah Kolta Ground. 
Prediction


Tough one to predict, as both sides are underperforming. I have a feeling though that Virat Kohli will fire and lead RCB to a strong total that could be enough to beat DD. 
RCB to win in a tight clash.

IPL 44th Match Preview: Kings XI Punjab v Kolkata Knight Riders

Charbel Coorey
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0

A vital, high stakes battle on the edge of the top four. We are reaching the business end of IPL 2018, where room for error is shrinking with each delivery, and I can’t wait to see what this game holds for us.

Kings XI Punjab and their fans would have been disappointed with their last two outings against RR, with only KL Rahul showing any sort of resistance with the bat. The he made an unbeaten 95 and the remaining six batsmen just 41 in a failed chase of 158 highlights that they are far from the completed package. Their middle order is concerning, but there is no doubt that if they can get that part of their game right, they are a big threat to any team.

Kolkata Knight Riders might still be reeling from their 102-run loss at home to the now fourth-placed MI. Things were looking quite rosy for KKR in the early stages of the tournament, but they have fallen away a tad, and with their NRR taking a real hit, this is a game they simply cannot afford to lose. Everything went wrong for them three nights ago. Today, they need to execute everything brilliantly.

Key to a Kings XI Punjab win

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul have a big opportunity to fire today, against a KKR side that boasts the worst economy rate among pace bowlers (10.46) and second worst in the powerplay overs (9.20).
However, the middle order has been KXIP’s main concern in this tournament. If the openers don’t fire, then there are significant question marks on the middle order’s ability to get them to a good total, or see them home in a chase. Even if the openers do fire, can the middle order finish things off?
KXIP have lost three of their last four, and a lot can be put down to their middle and end overs run rate. In the powerplay, they boast the second best run rate. In the middle and end overs? Second worst. This has to be rectified to arrest their slide.
KL Rahul has been KXIP’s shining light in recent matches

Key to a Kolkata Knight Riders win

Can KKR find a way to dismiss KL Rahul and Chris Gayle cheaply?
In KXIP’s last two games, KL Rahul has hit 179 runs in two innings, both unbeaten. The remaining 13 batsmen across the two matches mustered just 107 between them, so a big opportunity presents KKR to get into the unsure KXIP middle order.
Also, KXIP’s powerplay run rate in their last five games has been just 7 per over. In their first five matches, it was 10.7. As a result, KXIP have won just two of their last five. If KKR can have a superb start with the ball, it will set up the game for them, especially considering they have the best powerplay run rate of any team (8.88).
Can Narine deliver for KKR against KXIP’s openers?

Possible teams

It remains to be seen whether KXIP stick with the middle that flopped badly against RR. It’s not as though they have great form on the bench either, with Yuvraj struggling in IPL 2018. They could stick with the same XI to give them another chance.
Kings XI Punjab XI: 1. KL Rahul (wk), 2. Chris Gayle, 3. Karun Nair, 4. Akshdeep Nath, 5. Manoj Tiwary/Yuvraj Singh, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin (c), 9. AJ Tye, 10. Mohit Sharma, 11. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
KKR need a complete reversal of their performance against MI. Their top order needs to fire, and their bowling attack needs to restrict KXIP’s.
Kolkata Knight Riders XI: 1. Sunil Narine, 2. Chris Lynn, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 6. Andre Russell, 7. Shubman Gill, 8. Tom Curran, 9. Piyush Chawla, 10. Kuldeep Yadav, 11. Shivam Mavi

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches 22, KXIP 8, KKR 14
  • All seven matches at Indore have been won by the team chasing. This season, totals of 175 and 153 have been chased pretty comfortably.
  • Chris Gayle v KKR: 14 innings, 594 runs, Avg 54.00, SR 153.49, four MoM awards. However, Sunil Narine could stop him. In 119 deliveries in T20 cricket, Narine has dimissed Gayle five times, conceding just 94 runs (SR 78.99)
  • KXIP have won the last two meetings between the two teams.
  • KKR have taken just nine powerplay wickets this season, the lowest of all teams. That has to change, otherwise Chris Gayle and KL Rahul could take the game away from them.

Prediction

Both sides need to arrest some poor form at the moment in a high stakes clash. At Indore, I will go with KXIP to get the win on the back of Gayle and Rahul, and go one step closer to sealing a playoffs spot.

IPL 43rd Match Preview: Rajasthan Royals v Chennai Super Kings

Charbel Coorey
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0

Two teams who made a return to the IPL after a two-year exile. That’s pretty much the only similarity between the two sides in IPL 2018.

Rajasthan Royals have had a season plagued by inconsistency, headlined by many of their big hitters not firing. The only consistency they have had in IPL 2018 is consistently posting sub-par totals, and with their net run rate the worst of all teams, they need to put in a perfect performance tonight to boost it. If their batting fails to fire again, they can just about kiss their playoff chances goodbye.

Chennai Super Kings are in pole position to finish in the top two. Their batting form in IPL 2018 has been impressive, and their fans would have been especially pleased to see their bowlers dismantle an RCB line up that included Brendon McCullum, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli last Saturday. If they can repeat their efforts with the ball, as well as show the kind of batting form that has headlined their campaign to date, they’ll just about seal a playoffs spot tonight.

Key to a Rajasthan Royals win

I sound like a broken record when it comes to RR, but they need more runs from their big hitters.
In their last start win against KXIP, they mustered 158/8, which was only six more than what they put up against the same opposition just a few days earlier. Against a CSK side that possesses more danger right throughout the order than KXIP do, it’s vital RR’s batsmen get in the runs.
Jos Buttler has hit three straight half centuries to make the opening position his own, but his 82 against KXIP represented over half the team’s total, with the next best score just 22. If RR are to win this game, they need two or three significant contributions. I’m looking closely at Ben Stokes, who averages just 17 with the bat in IPL 2018, with a SR of 127. Time to step up as RR are on their last legs.

Jos Buttler is in great form

Key to a Chennai Super Kings win

CSK hold four of the top 10 totals in IPL 2018, including a mammoth 204/5 v RR in Pune on April 20. 
RR’s bowlers have held their own pretty well in recent games, but CSK have what it takes to expose the inconsistency that remains in the RR attack. Ambati Rayudu holds the key, along with the likes of Shane Watson, Suresh Raina and IPL 2018 wonder finisher MS Dhoni. 
The plethora of batting talent has held CSK in very good stead throughout the tournament so far, and will be the key for them again here. If their batting clicks, I don’t know if RR have enough runs in them to match CSK.

Ambati Rayudu continues to impress

Possible teams

RR picked up an encouraging win v KXIP, even when KL Rahul hit an unbeaten 95. Expect them to stick with the same XI in their quest to put some pressure on the top four.
Rajasthan Royals XI: 1. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Sanju Samson, 4. Ben Stokes, 5. Stuart Binny, 6. K Gowtham, 7. Mahipal Lomror, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Jaydev Unadkat, 10. Ish Sodhi, 11. Anureet Singh
CSK’s bowling clicked into gear against RCB, headlined by 3/18 by Ravindra Jadeja. Expect CSK to also stick with a familiar playing XI.
Chennai Super Kings XI: 1. Shane Watson, 2. Ambati Rayudu, 3. Suresh Raina, 4. Dhruv Shorey, 5. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Ravindra Jadeja, 8. David Willey, 9. Harbhajan Singh, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. Shardul Thakur

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 18, RR 6, CSK 12
  • When these two teams met earlier this season, Shane Watson smashed 106 and CSK won by 74 runs.
  • RR average 21.96 per wicket, which is the worst in IPL 2018. CSK average 36.90, which is the best.
  • MS Dhoni needs 63 runs to reach 6,000 T20 runs (5th Indian if he gets there). In his last six innings, he has scored 25*, 70*, 26, 51*, 43*, 31*
  • Ambati Rayudu is scoring at 9.64 during powerplay overs in IPL 2018, with an average of 172!
  • RR have won just one of their last five games v CSK.

Prediction:

RR just aren’t scoring enough runs at the moment, and even at the Sawai Masingh Stadium, where RR have a good record, I back CSK to win. I also predict Ambati Rayudu will get man of the match.
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