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IPL 42nd Match Preview: Delhi Daredevils v Sunrisers Hyderabad

Charbel Coorey
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Last vs. first. But you wouldn’t believe it, looking at how close this game could be. That’s been the exciting aspect of IPL 2018 – the table doesn’t always determine what the result will be.

It’s now do or die for Delhi Daredevils, who must win well to improve their net run rate, and to sit two points behind fourth placed MI. They have to believe they can win tonight, after pushing SRH to an extent in their last meeting five days ago, where Prithvi Shaw showed just how good he is against the best attack in the tournament. DD need some bigger contributions from key players, and if they can just add an extra bit of polish to the performance we saw in Hyderabad, they can win this clash.

Sunrisers Hyderabad continue to amaze, led by Kane Williamson’s excellent captaincy. RCB were the latest victims of SRH’s incredible ability to defend low totals, and SRH would be confident of targeting a DD side that has underperformed. A win for SRH would seal their passage to the playoffs, and given how they have played with the injury and suspension distractions they have faced, they most certainly deserve it.

Key to a Delhi Daredevils win

DD were sitting pretty at 95/1 off 10 overs five nights ago, and lost their way to score just 68/4 in the next ten. 
The likes of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer have been damaging at times, and if the top four of those two, Prithvi Shaw and Glenn Maxwell/Jason Roy/Colin Munro can fire, you can back DD to set a big score, as well as chase a score that SRH set – an SRH side that has yet to score 180+ in the tournament.
Shaw is technically correct, but too much pressure shouldn’t be added onto his young shoulders

Key to a Sunrisers Hyderabad win

Those last 10 overs where they conceded 68/4 was the catalyst for victory against DD. Then, against RCB, Kane Williamson and his men masterminded another magnificent defence of a small total.
DD’s best chance is to overcome the strong SRH attack. Incredibly, the most wickets taken by an SRH bowler is 13 by both Siddarth Kaul and Rashid Khan, who sit in equal 6th place on the wicket taking charts. This highlights the distribution of wickets among SRH bowlers, and that there aren’t many weak links in their attack. If they click as a unit again, it will set up their victory.
SRH continue to impress

Possible teams

DD showed plenty of encouraging signs in Hyderabad five days ago, so it will be interesting to see if they go with the same line up. However, a concern for them will be the form of Glenn Maxwell (133 from nine innings), Colin Munro (63 from five innings) and Jason Roy (97 from three innings that includes a 91*).  It will be interesting to see which way they will go. I think it could be Colin Munro, to try and handle the SRH spinners who will mostly turn the ball into him.
Delhi Daredevils XI: 1. Prithvi Shaw, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Rishabh Pant (wk), 4. Shreyas Iyer, 5. Naman Ojha, 6. Daniel Christian, 7. Vijay Shankar, 8. Liam Plunkett, 9. Amit Mishra, 10. Avesh Khan, 11. Trent Boult
SRH look more settled – expect them to stick with the same XI that beat RCB.
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Manish Pandey, 5. Shakib Al Hasan, 6. Yusuf Pathan, 7. Rashid Khan, 8. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Siddarth Kaul, 11. Sandeep Sharma

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 11, DD 4, SRH 7
  • Amit Mishra did very well vs SRH in the last game, which is no surprise. Shakib Al Hasan (54.5), Alex Hales (69.2), Yusuf Pathan (83.3), Manish Pandey (105.4) and Shikhar Dhawan (113.6) have struggled against legspin in IPL 2018.
  • Siddarth Kaul in death overs: econ. rate of 6.47
  • If Rishabh Pant scores at least 43, he will pass 1,000 IPL runs and will be the youngest ever to do so (20).
  • Against RCB, all five SRH bowlers took at least one wicket.

Prediction

I never thought a game featuring last and first would be tough to predict! That’s the case this time. 
I have a strong feeling DD will win to keep their season alive, with good contributions from the top four! Should be a good clash.

Preview: Only Test – Ireland v Pakistan.

Charbel Coorey
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Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

HISTORY! The 11th Test team will take the field tomorrow, and I can’t wait.

In a week where Australia thinks Bangladesh isn’t important enough, it’s nice to see a smaller cricketing nation get the attention they deserve. It’s also nice to see Test cricket back, amid all the IPL 2018 action, and what a beautiful occasion it promises to be.

It’s been a long 18 years, but we finally have an 11th Test team, and it’s very well deserved for the Irish. The weather forecast across the five days doesn’t look too promising, which is a shame, but it’s an occasion to be celebrated nonetheless.

It is fair to say Ireland deserved Test status five or six years ago, when many of their players were at their peak. They have always been punching above their weight over the years, and they have what it takes to give Pakistan a difficult time, weather permitting. Their squad boasts 1,125 games of first class experience, so if Pakistan walk onto the field expecting to roll over the Irish easily, they have another thing coming.

Pakistan usually play their cricket in the heat of the UAE, so cricket in Europe in May will be a big test, especially for their batsmen. They would have been pleased with their batting effort against Northamptonshire, after being rolled for 168 against Kent, but will be tested by an honest Ireland attack in bowling friendly conditions. With conditions the way they are in Dublin, also expect Pakistan’s bowling line up to extract plenty of movement, and give the Irish batsman a tough examination on their Test debut.

Pakistan are favourites, but this match has the makings of a competitive one.

Skipper William Porterfield has credited past Ireland players for reaching this stage.

Key to an Ireland win

No disrespect to Pakistan, but this would be amazing. 
The big question mark for Ireland is how their batsmen will cope against Pakistan’s potent bowling attack, in what promises to be overcast, cold conditions. The top six, expected to be William Porterfield,  Andy Balbirnie, Ed Joyce, Paul Stirling, Niall O’Brien and Kevin O’Brien, have 38,672 first class runs between them, and will need to use their experience to the maximum in overcoming the moving ball.

If Ireland get sufficient runs on the board, it will open up the game for their bowlers, who are bound to challenge Pakistan’s batting, the weaker part of their game.

Key to a Pakistan win

Likely debutant Imam ul-Haq has warned against complacency, and right he is. After all, what do Pakistan have to be complacent about?

After claiming the no.1 spot in the rankings after drawing 2-2 in England in 2016, Pakistan have since dropped all the way to 7th, including a disappointing 2-0 home loss to Sri Lanka in their last Test assignment in October last year. Their attempt to climb the rankings begins in Dublin, and their bowling holds the key.

Mohammad Amir bowled 42 overs over the two tour matches, managing just the solitary wicket, including none in 27 overs against Northamptonshire. The other seamers, including Mohammad Abbas, Rahat Ali and Hasan Ali had a more successful time across the two matches, but Amir remains a huge threat to Ireland, and will hoping catches will be taken off his bowling.

In addition, the form of Shadab Khan, taking 10 wickets against Northamptonshire, and Asad Shafiq (186*) and Haris Sohail (two 50s across two games) will be encouraging. One player who an eye will be kept on is Azhar Ali, who had a lean build up to this Test, but he is one who can anchor the Pakistan innings against what will be an honest Irish attack. Like Ireland, the key for Pakistan is to get runs on the board, and give their bowlers great freedom to express themselves.

Asad Shafiq – key player for Pakistan

Predicted teams

I previously said that Ireland would have loved Test status five or six years ago, as many of their “golden generation” players are well in their 30s. Nonetheless, they’ll be pumped for the occasion. Expect Boyd Rankin and strong Middlesex performer for many years Tim Murtagh to be the two main seamers, with Tyrone Kane, Stuart Thompson or Craig Young making up the third seam option.
Possible Ireland XI: 1. William Porterfield (c), 2. Andy Balbirnie, 3. Ed Joyce, 4. Paul Stirling, 5. Niall O’Brien, 6. Kevin O’Brien, 7. Gary Wilson (wk), 8. Andy McBrine, 9. Tyrone Kane/Stuart Thompson/Craig Young, 10. Tim Murtagh, 11. Boyd Rankin
Former Pakistan captain and chief selector Rashid Latif has spoken out about how Pakistan could struggle against Ireland, and especially England. I agree with him that Fawad Alam should have been picked, on the back of solid domestic performances, and would have been a player who could hold things together in the middle order for Pakistan. Instead, they will go with a number of openers in their XI.
Possible Pakistan XI: 1. Imam-ul Haq, 2. Azhar Ali, 3. Haris Sohail, 4. Asad Shafiq, 5. Babar Azam, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Shadab Khan, 9. Mohammad Amir, 10. Mohammad Abbas, 11. Hasan Ali/Rahat Ali

Stats and Facts:

  • If Ireland win, they will become just the second nation to win their first Test, after Australia beat England in the first ever Test in 1877.
  • Pakistan have won just two of their past 11 Test matches, and were bowled out for 168 v Kent last week.
  • If Boyd Rankin plays, Ireland won’t have 11 debutants. He played a Test for England vs Australia in 2014.
  • Pakistan know about being on the end of an Ireland upset. They lost to them at the 2007 ODI World Cup.
  • Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail and Babar Azam combined for 323 runs against Northamptonshire.

Prediction

I am really hoping the weather holds throughout the game so we see enough action to get a result. Rain is forecast for most of the match, which is worrying, and is why I will predict a draw.
However, if the weather holds, and there is a result, expect Pakistan to have enough to beat an Ireland team that is sure to make their fans proud of their performance. Rain, please stay away.

IPL 41st Match: Kolkata Knight Riders v Mumbai Indians

Charbel Coorey
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Playoff before the playoffs! So much to play for at Eden Gardens, as IPL 2018 nears its business end.

Kolkata Knight Riders have been unable to string a big run together so far in the tournament. KKR have not won more than two games in a row, stringing quite a few win-loss-win-loss sequences. They’ll be hoping it continues against a MI side hot on their heels, who beat them on Sunday.

Mumbai Indians have what it takes to win the tournament. It might be crazy to say something like that when a team sits outside the top four with four to play, but with three wins in their last four, MI are looking in good form. When you add the fact that they have not conceded 180+ since April 14, you see a side that is gelling pretty nicely. With six wins in eight games at Eden Gardens, MI deserve to start as favourites in my opinion.

Key to a Kolkata Knight Riders win

On Sunday, MI stormed out of the blocks, flying at 10 an over after 10 overs. KKR pulled things back pretty well to restrict MI under 200, but the key here is to have a more polished start with the ball.
MI’s top order has been their key in recent games, so KKR need to nullify that threat. Only two of their seven bowlers took wickets against the same opponents on Sunday – the likes of Piyush Chawla, Mitchell Johnson, Kuldeep Yadav and Sunil Narine need to have good outings.
Sunil Narine has a good record in T20s v Rohit Sharma

Key to a Mumbai Indians win

MI look really well drilled at the moment, restricting their opponents with the ball, and getting good returns from their top order players in victories.
The template set on Sunday was big contributions from the top order, but this time they’d like to the middle order to finish the job a little better. Krunal Pandya, unlucky to miss the India T20I squad, remains a key with bat and ball, in conjunction with MI’s top order and frontline bowlers, including Hardik Pandya, who is second in the wicket taking charts in IPL 2018.
MI: looking good

Possible teams

KKR have some concerns – what do they do with Mitchell Johnson, who simply isn’t firing? With Shivam Mavi unlikely to play due to injury, KKR might be forced to stick with the same XI, considering their squad is already the smallest of all teams. Chris Lynn threatened on Sunday, and so did Robin Uthappa. KKR need to lift their intensity that little bit more.
Kolkata Knight Riders XI: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 6. Andre Russell, 7. Shubman Gill, 8. Mitchell Johnson, 9. Prasidh Krishna, 10. Piyush Chawla, 11. Kuldeep Yadav
MI have a bowling attack in full swing, in conjunction with a top order that is in pretty solid form. They’ll stick with the same combination, surely.
Mumbai Indians XI: 1. Suryakumar Yadav, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Ishan Kishan (wk), 4. Rohit Sharma (c), 5. JP Duminy, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Ben Cutting, 9. Mitchell McClenaghan, 10. Mayank Markande, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 22, KKR 5, MI 17. MI won the most recent match on Sunday by 13 runs.
  • MI have won six of eight matches at Eden Gardens.
  • Rohit Sharma at Eden Gardens: 11 innings, 418 runs, Avg, 52.25, SR 146.67. However, Sunil Narine could stop him. In all T20s, Narine has dismissed Rohit seven times, conceding just 93 runs in 94 balls.
  • It has been 1,127 days since KKR last beat MI (seven games).
  • MI’s pacers targeted KKR with short pitched bowling on Sunday. 69% of deliveries bowled were short.
  • Chris Lynn needs to overcome Bumrah and H Pandya. He has been dismissed three times in five games vs Bumrah and twice in seven balls against H Pandya.

Prediction:

I love what I’m seeing from MI in recent times. They look a side that will not only make the playoffs, but challenge strongly too. However, they can’t get carried away, and with a good leadership group and experienced set of players, I expect them to win and possibly move into fourth spot.

IPL 40th Match Preview: Rajasthan Royals v Kings XI Punjab

Charbel Coorey
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Like Sydney trains, we were waiting for one to come along for a while. Out of nowhere, two come at almost the same time. Here is RR v KXIP take two, just two days after take one.

With a net run rate worse than a Kim Kardashian post on social media, Rajasthan Royals need a miracle to reach the playoffs. Forget the playoffs, it will be a miracle in itself to see Ben Stokes cross 20, or Jaydev Unadkat to go a few games in a row conceding under nine an over. That they were purchased for a combined INS 24 crores shows poor management and planning by RR, and they are paying the price. This is their absolute last chance to make a run – five games to go, five wins are the minimum requirement.

Kings XI Punjab have created breathing space between them and the playoff challengers, important because of MI’s improved form. KL Rahul’s class was on show once again two nights ago, and was the stand out for KXIP against a fighting RR. Another good performance with the ball, as well as more support for Rahul will be the order of the day for KXIP – can they win in their push for a top two finish?

Key to a Rajasthan Royals win

RR’s team balance has come under the spotlight throughout IPL 2018, with their batting has been the main cause for concern. RR have rarely put in a performance that fans can consider “complete”, and that is shown in their NRR of -0.726.

It is remarkable to think this is the case when you look at their squad on paper. However, they just haven’t gelled, and the game against KXIP two nights ago was again proof of this.

The middle order continues to falter, slumping from 84/2 in the 11th over to 152/9, after throwing away victory against SRH a week earlier. Jos Buttler continued his promising form from the DD game, and RR need him to produce the same, this time with support from the likes of D’Arcy Short and Ben Stokes, who have no fifties between them in IPL 2018 (15 innings).

In addition, RR need early wickets with the ball – especially Gayle and Rahul, to test the KXIP middle order as early as possible.

It was always a risk paying big money for Ben Stokes.

Key to a Kings XI Punjab win

KL Rahul was simply superb two nights ago, and he and Gayle hold the key for KXIP with the bat. They have the potential to get the side off to such a fast start, and the rest can just keep building on the work of those two.
Also, the bowling effort would have pleased the KXIP camp, none more so than Ravichandran Ashwin. One wonders just how far this team can go in the tournament if they get their bowling right – to see an economy rate of 7.50 as the most expensive among four bowlers who bowled their full four overs two nights ago would have been really encouraging.
More of the same is needed tonight.
KL Rahul oozes class.

Possible teams:

RR have no choice but to start their virtual playoffs series now. This means that changes could be made, including D’Arcy Short and Anureet Singh. Ben Stokes simply must stand up now.
Rajasthan Royals XI: 1. Jos Buttler (wk), 2. Ajinkya Rahane, 3. Heinrich Klaasen, 4. Sanju Samson, 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Rahul Tripathi, 7. K Gowtham, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Shreyas Gopal, 10. Dhawal Kulkarni, 11. Jaydev Unadkat, 

Aussie Marcus Stoinis was very assured two nights ago, helping KL Rahul see KXIP home. He certainly has the potential to plug holes in the KXIP middle order, and make them even more dangerous. Expect KXIP to stick with the same XI that won on Sunday.
Kings XI Punjab XI: 1. Chris Gayle, 2. KL Rahul, 3. Mayank Agarwal, 4. Karun Nair, 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Manoj Tiwary, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin (c), 9. AJ Tye, 10. Mujeeb ur Rahman, 11. Ankit Rajpoot

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 16, RR 9, KXIP 6. At the Sawai Masingh Stadium, KXIP have not won in four attempts.
  • KXIP are the best team in the powerplay in IPL 2018 – they score at 9.22 an over.
  • Legspin to KL Rahul? In 15 matches since IPL 2015, a legspinner has dismissed him eight times.
  • Chris Gayle needs 64 runs to reach 4,000 IPL runs. He will become the 7th ever to the mark.
  • A KXIP win will put them equal second with CSK, two points behind SRH after 10 games.

Prediction:

KXIP have never won at Sawai Masingh Stadium, but this is their best chance against a struggling RR. 
RR desperately need their big hitters to fire, as well as target KXIP’s still unsure middle order. However, I can’t trust them to do this. I predict KXIP will win and move to equal second on the IPL 2018 table.

IPL 39th Match Preview: Sunrisers Hyderabad v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Charbel Coorey
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0

The best bowling attack in IPL 2018 vs. one of the worst. Will the result be that simple to predict? The beauty of the tournament has been that the table and recent form rarely dictate the results, which has led to a few teams fighting hard for a playoffs spot.

One of those teams is Royal Challengers Bangalore, who simply must win to keep their playoffs hopes alive. The last two games has seen their batting underwhelm and bowling keep them in the game, which is a sharp contrast to their usual style. Tonight, RCB need to produce the kind of performance we don’t often see from them – consistent.

Sunrisers Hyderabad are on a run of four straight wins, and sit top of the league without a posting a single 180+ score. Efficient, brilliant and the envy of many captains trying to keep teams to a low score, SRH have set the benchmark in executing their plans, and have the chance to just about knock their opponents out of the tournament. Can they keep the likes of Brendon McCullum, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers very quiet like CSK were able to?

Key to a Sunrisers Hyderabad win

The thought of RCB batting the way they have in recent games is beautiful for SRH fans and players. SRH have been irresistible with the ball in this tournament, headlined by their prowess at all stages of an innings. They are the best bowling team in the powerplay, middle and death overs.
To restrict DD to just 163 after being 95/1 off 10 overs is something special. Rashid Khan has hit superb form after two tough games earlier in the tournament, a sign of his character, and has been consistently backed up by a fantastic attack. 
More of the same will go a long way to victory, given how RCB rely plenty on their batting.
SRH: well-drilled unit

Key to a Royal Challengers win

SRH haven’t scored 180 in IPL 2018 so far. This is an opportunity for RCB.
In the last two games, RCB’s bowlers first won them a game v MI and then tried hard to pluck something out of nothing against CSK. Their fielding leaves plenty to be desired (however, check out @IndianMourinho on Twitter – apparently dropping catches doesn’t affect your chances of victory). If RCB can restrict SRH, they have part of the battle won.
The bigger part of the battle is overcoming the SRH attack. The two most able are Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, and RCB desperately need big contributions from them. If RCB bat first and post 180+, pressure will be on SRH to achieve a score they haven’t reached so far in the tournament. If they bowl first, a score of under 170 will be achievable. All to play for.
RCB need to improve 12 an over econ. at the death, but these two are the key to a win

Possible teams

SRH look settled, and will likely stick with the same XI that delivered victory against DD.
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Manish Pandey, 5. Shakib Al Hasan, 6. Yusuf Pathan, 7. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10. Sandeep Sharma, 11. Siddarth Kaul
If Manan Vohra is selected, Brendon McCullum might need to take the gloves (not sure if this will happen, so expect Parthiv to play). Also, expect the make up of the bowling attack to stay the same, with the hope of Tim Southee and Yuzvendra Chahal faring better than 9.5 an over v CSK.
Royal Challengers Bangalore XI: 1. Manan Vohra/Parthiv Patel, 2. Brendon McCullum, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. AB de Villiers, 5. Mandeep Singh, 6. Colin de Grandhomme, 7. M Ashwin, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Umesh Yadav, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Stats & Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 10, SRH 6, RCB 4. In Hyderabad, SRH lead RCB 4-1.
  • Rashid Khan in the seven SRH wins in IPL 2018: 10 wickets at econ. rate of 5.4
  • Yuzvendra Chahal has not taken a wicket in the last three games. Last time this happened was in 2014.
  • RCB have dropped eight of their last 21 catch attempts.
  • An RCB win will put them just two points behind 4th placed KKR. A win for SRH will put them outright first.

Prediction

So much depends on the battle between the SRH bowling and Virat Kohli/AB de Villiers. RCB are capable of outscoring SRH, but it’s easier said than done. With SRH in great bowling form, as opposed to RCB who are inconsistent in all facets of the game, I expect SRH to win and go outright top of the table.

IPL 38th Match Preview: Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals

Charbel Coorey
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0

The second of two critical games today in the playoffs race. Both games are of identical characteristics – MI (6 points) are chasing KKR (10 points) to try steal a playoffs spot, and the exact same applies to RR (6 points) chasing KXIP (10 points).

All of a sudden, Kings XI Punjab are in a bit of a sticky situation, and will be a whole lot stickier if they lose this game. One of the top three sides along with CSK and SRH just a week or so ago, KXIP are stuck on 10 points after two straight losses, and a third straight loss will mean they will be only two points ahead of their nearest challengers for a playoff spot. A win here will give them vital breathing space, and they have the quality to achieve it.

The fact Rajasthan Royals still have a shot at the playoffs is incredible given the mostly disappointing cricket they have played throughout IPL 2018. They will be pleased with Jos Buttler’s incredible return to form, the catalyst of a very close shortened run chase against DD. However, their bowling still leaves a lot to be desired, and if they are poor against KXIP, they can kiss victory goodbye.

Key to a Kings XI Punjab win

KXIP were a touch underwhelming against MI, but you can still say they let the game slip a little towards the end. Despite this, they still managed a respectable 174, and will be looking to improve their execution with the ball, as well as rediscover the dominant batting form that has underlined their success so far in this tournament.
KL Rahul and Chris Gayle batted 60 balls combined for 74 runs against MI. It will be interesting to see how they back up from that underwhelming performance, when you compare it to how damaging they have been in recent times. Against an RR attack that isn’t firing, back KXIP’s top order to have increased strike rates, with much-needed improvement in the performance of the middle order. If they achieve this, they will have too many runs and too much power for RR.
These two have been tremendous for KXIP in IPL 2018

Key to a Rajasthan Royals win

RR need to produce the kind of performance MI did a couple of nights ago against KXIP, as well as SRH the week previous.
MI based their strategy around keeping things tight, and managed to keep the much vaunted KXIP top order relatively quiet. This led to a sub-180 total, which always gave MI a chance. A sub-180 total will give RR a chance, especially if the likes of Jos Buttler can fire again.
Also, the two players who were purchased for a combined INR 24 crores must step up. Jaydev Unadkat and Ben Stokes have been very underwhelming so far in the tournament. If they get going, RR are a chance.
It’s been tough going for Ben Stokes in IPL 2018.

Possible teams

Kings XI Punjab XI: 1. Chris Gayle, 2. KL Rahul (wk), 3. Mayank Agarwal, 4. Manok Tiwary, 5. Karun Nair, 6. Marcus Stoinis, 7. Axar Patel, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin (c), 9. Andrew Tye, 10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 11. Ankit Rajpoot
Rajasthan Royals XI: 1. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Sanju Samson, 4. Ben Stokes, 5. Rahul Tripathi, 6. Stuart Binny, 7. K Gowtham, 8. Jofra Archer, 9. Shreyas Gopal, 10. Jaydev Unadkat, 11. Ben Laughlin

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 15, KXIP 6, RR 9. They will meet again in three days at the Sawai Masingh Stadium.
  • Jos Buttler as opener in IPL cricket: Average of 30.80 and SR 167. 
  • Chris Gayle loves May the 6th in IPL cricket. On this date in previous IPL editions, his scores read: 107 (49), 26 (22), 61 (33), 38 (24) and 117 (57).
  • RR have a net run rate of -0.726, compared to KXIP’s 0.130. RR will surely need to win every game from now on to have a chance of reaching the playoffs.

Prediction

RR are certainly one of the most disappointing teams in IPL 2018, which began with disappointing squad investments. They need their big players to step to have a chance here.
However, I can’t trust that this will happen. KXIP look more settled, and will be looking to avoid three straight losses, thanks to a stronger batting performance. KXIP to win.

IPL 37th Match Preview: Mumbai Indians v Kolkata Knight Riders

Charbel Coorey
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0

A match that has huge implications on the make up of the final four. I can’t wait for this one.

For all of Mumbai Indians‘ disappointment in IPL 2018, they have the opportunity to finish the day just two points outside the top four, with four games remaining. Incredibly, with a 3-6 record, MI have a positive NRR, which is consistent with their performances this season – close to hitting full pelt, but falling short at the final hurdle.

Their win at KXIP though was mighty impressive, restricting a strong batting line up and then winning the crunch moments at the end to nail the chase. MI’s run to the playoffs has a little bit of momentum now, and if they can beat KKR, they’ll really start to believe they can sneak in to the top four.

However, it won’t be easy as Kolkata Knight Riders continue to impress. To brush aside one of the tournament leaders in CSK was awesome, and KKR would have been buoyed by Sunil Narine’s return to bowling form, as well as talented youngster Shubman Gill showing us all just how much he can offer in the top order.

While this is a very important game for MI, it also holds true for KKR. They can pretty much knock MI out of the tournament by pushing six points out in front on the table, which will have MI relying on RR beating KXIP later tonight to remain four points outside the top four with four to play.

This is a high stakes clash, which promises to be a beauty.

Key to a Mumbai Indians win

In their three wins this season, three times have their top order delivered the goods. Highlighted by not only Rohit Sharma’s importance to their success, the likes of Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Krunal Pandya have been key in acing pressure chases. Whether batting or bowling first, if this line up can fire, MI have what it takes to win.
Also, MI’s bowling has been holding up really well in recent times. The last time they conceded a score of 180+ was back on April 14th v DD, which is a superb record to have in a tournament filled with top quality T20 batsmen. If the bowlers and top order can put on a good showing, I like MI’s chances.
Can MI go on an amazing run?

Key to a Kolkata Knight Riders win

KKR have had a range of excellent performers this season, which has culminated into an impressive season so far. A huge test awaits them in the next four days – they play MI twice, and if they win at least one, it will go a long way to sealing a playoffs spot.
They recently brushed aside both CSK and RCB, two sides with strong batting capabilities. The key there was restricting them below 180, and the same key applies here against an MI top order that is beginning to contribute well. It must be noted that Ishan Kishan, Evin Lewis and Rohit Sharma have a combined seven ducks in IPL 2018 – if KKR can add to this, it will hold them in good stead.
Also, a fast start from their top order, namely Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine, can do what sides haven’t been able to do to MI’s bowling in recent times – push them well onto the back foot.
Shubman Gill was superb at no.4 for KKR against CSK

Possible teams

Expect MI to stick with the same team that beat KXIP.

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

For KKR, it remains to be seen whether Nitish Rana has recovered from lower back spasms. Another cause for concern is a pace bowling spot – both Mitchell Johnson and Tom Curran have been expensive this season, so how will they pick?

Kolkata Knight Riders XI: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Shubman Gill, 5. Rinku Singh, 6. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 7. Andre Russell, 8. Shivam Mavi, 9. Piyush Chawla, 10. Mitchell Johnson, 11. Kuldeep Yadav

Stats and Facts

  • Matches: 21, MI 16, KKR 5. This is the first meeting between the two sides in IPL 2018.
  • MI have the best record against KKR among all teams. It is the most wins by one side over another (16). 
  • KKR is Rohit Sharma’s favourite opponent (more runs against them than against any other IPL team), but against Sunil Narine, he has been dismissed five times for 87 runs with a SR of just 104.81.
  • KKR have won four out of fives games this season when chasing.
  • Sunil Narine is KKR’s leading wicket taker, most economical bowler and has nearly 200 runs to his name in IPL 2018. He is a key player.

Prediction

A high stakes clash that can go either way. I do have a feeling though that MI will make a late run for the playoffs, and at home, they’ll beat KKR in a close game, that will have millions of fans glued to their screens.

IPL 36th Match Preview: Sunrisers Hyderabad v Delhi Daredevils

Charbel Coorey
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Imagine being the worst batting team in terms of run rate in all phases of an innings and still being top. Imagine not having a single score of 180 and still being top. That is Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2018 – incredibly efficient, incredibly brilliant in their bowling execution, and incredibly settled despite injury concerns and the loss of David Warner.

They face a Delhi Daredevils side who are in quite stark contrast to SRH. DD have struggled to settle on their best bowling combinations this season, and still haven’t got the best out of the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Colin Munro, two proven T20 performers. Despite this, they have won two of their last three since the appointment of Shreyas Iyer as captain, and have what it takes to challenge SRH. Can they keep pushing for a playoffs spot?

SRH have been brilliant as a bowling unit in IPL 2018

Key to a Sunrisers Hyderabad win

It is not difficult to highlight SRH’s cornerstone to their success. In all of their wins in IPL 2018, their bowlers have played a key role, especially so in their last three games, defending modest totals of 118, 132 and 151, even with the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Billy Stanlake out with injury.
The key holds true again today. DD will be banking on their power hitters to get free from the SRH stronghold, but there is no doubt that will be a difficult ask. Out of Shakib Al Hasan, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Basil Thampi, Siddarth Kaul and Sandeep Sharma, the highest economy rate is just 7.25 (Rashid Khan). 
If SRH can continue to execute brilliantly and work as a unit, they have what it takes to make it four straight. In addition, they would love a score from Shikhar Dhawan to set the innings up beautifully.

Key to a Delhi Daredevils win

DD have a line up full of batting talent. The performances of Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw in recent games show just how talented they are.
DD’s best avenue to victory is if these players con continue their good form, in conjunction with better contributions from the likes of Colin Munro (or Jason Roy) and Glenn Maxwell. DD can try restrict SRH to a small total, but SRH have shown they can defend totals even as low as 118, so the batsmen need to step up against a quality SRH attack.

Possible teams

Alex Hales came in for Mohammad Nabi in the last game for SRH, and he contributed well with 45. There is a concern for SRH in terms of their finishing – they only managed 31 in the last five overs v RR, which then required a great bowling effort to come out with a win. Expect Bhuvneshwar Kumar to return and bolster the bowling line up even more.
Sunrisers Hyderabad XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan, 2. Alex Hales, 3. Kane Williamson (c), 4. Manish Pandey, 5. Shakib Al Hasan, 6. Yusuf Pathan, 7. Wriddhiman Saha (wk), 8. Rashid Khan, 9. Bhvuneshwar Kumar, 10. Sandeep Sharma, 11. Siddarth Kaul
For DD, Colin Munro could make way for Jason Roy. The onus is on the batsmen to try and overcome SRH’s firing attack.
Delhi Daredevils XI: 1. Prithvi Shaw, 2. Jason Roy/Colin Munro, 3. Shreyas Iyer (c), 4. Rishabh Pant (wk), 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Vijay Shankar, 7. Liam Plunkett, 8. Amit Mishra, 9. Avesh Khan, 10. Trent Boult, 11. Shahbaz Nadeem

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 10, SRH 6, DD 4
  • No Bhuvneshwar Kumar? No problem for SRH in IPL 2018. In the four matches without him, they have taken 34 wickets at just 14 runs per wicket.
  • SRH are the worst batting team (in terms of run rate) at every stage of an innings (powerplay, middle overs and death) but are the best bowling team in each stage.
  • SRH have won all games when defending a total. DD have won just one of five when chasing.
  • DD’s last three totals: 219/4, 198/5, 196/6

Prediction:

DD have gone huge with the bat in their last three games, but this is their biggest test. At home, I expect SRH to continue flexing their bowling muscle, and get a win to remain top of the table.

IPL 35th Match Preview: Chennai Super Kings v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Charbel Coorey
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The beauty of IPL 2018 is that the table is not an indication of results we’ll see, as Harsha Bogle rightly described in a recent tweet. Last night, it was Mumbai Indians who kept their season alive with a win over one of the top sides (KXIP) away from home. Tonight, RCB will be trying to do the same against CSK in a quest to close the gap on fourth placed KKR.

Like RCB, Chennai Super Kings rely significantly on their batting, and this was on show at Eden Gardens when a score of under 180 was nowhere near enough, given how they are bowling at the moment. They come into this game losing two of their last three, and in these three games, they have managed to take just 11 wickets. Against a good RCB batting team, who will have AB de Villiers back, they need their bowlers to step up to complement their strong batting effort right throughout IPL 2018 so far.

Royal Challengers Bangalore would have been disappointed with CSK’s performance two nights ago, as it meant KKR increased their gap over them to four points in the race for the playoffs. RCB will now be hoping CSK put in a similar performance, but more importantly, they’ll need to repeat the excellent bowling effort they showed against MI. That performance even had their critics praising them, but can they prove it wasn’t a one-off?

It promises to be another high scoring clash, just like the previous meeting between the two sides, and I can’t wait.

Both captains have key roles to play for their respective teams

Key to a Chennai Super Kings win

CSK have the opportunity to get RCB crashing back down to earth after an encouraging win v MI. Their batting has delivered right throughout the campaign so far, and one thinks that if they get going here, RCB will find it very difficult to reign them in, even with the addition of Tim Southee.
CSK have scored at 9.58 an over in IPL 2018, which increases to over 12 in the death overs, the best of any side in the tournament to date. Against MI, each of their top four batsmen crossed 20, with none reaching 40. If the likes of Shane Watson and Ambati Rayudu can fire, and set the platform for the amazing MS Dhoni to come in and do what he does best, CSK can either set or chase a massive score.

Key to a Royal Challengers Bangalore win

Looking at the two sides on paper, as well as how they have performed in the tournament, RCB’s batting will keep them in the game. However, they desperately need to back up their last bowling effort, where they defended 167.
A score of 167 will probably not be enough here, but the return of AB de Villiers, as well as Colin de Grandhomme as a strong finisher are huge pluses for RCB. Also a plus is the form of Tim Southee, who put in a man of the match performance v MI, who was backed up by his teammates. 
Can the bowling attack hold their own against a strong CSK batting line up?

Possible teams

Despite defeat at Eden Gardens, expect CSK to stick with the same team.
Chennai Super Kings XI: 1. Shane Watson, 2. Ambati Rayudu, 3. Suresh Raina, 4. MS Dhoni (c & wk), 5. Ravindra Jadeja, 6. Dwayne Bravo, 7. Harbhajan Singh, 8. Shardul Thakur, 9. Imran Tahir, 10. Lungi Ngidi, 11. KM Asif
Quinton de Kock won’t play for RCB as he has flown back home to attend a wedding. AB de Villiers will return from illness, which will be a straight swap for QdK in terms of the fourth overseas player in the team. Parthiv Patel could play his first game and have the wicketkeeping gloves.
Royal Challengers Bangalore XI: 1. Parthiv Patel (wk), 2. Brendon McCullum, 3. Virat Kohli (c), 4. AB de Villiers, 5. Mandeep Singh, 6. Colin de Grandhomme, 7. Washington Sundar, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Umesh Yadav, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Mohammed Siraj

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 21, CSK 13, RCB 7, No result 1
  • Among the four bowlers who bowled their full four overs for RCB v MI, the most expensive was Umesh Yadav, who went for just 7.25 an over. 
  • CSK have scored 200+ four times in nine matches in IPL 2018. RCB have conceded 200+ three times in eight matches.
  • MS Dhoni has lost the toss in CSK’s last six games at Pune! Expect them to be batting first!
  • RCB have won four out of five IPL matches at Pune.

Prediction

This promises to be a quality clash, given that I like what I am seeing from RCB in recent times with the ball. However, despite CSK’s struggles with the ball themselves, I think they have enough players right throughout their order to cause damage to RCB, and they’ll come away with the win. I wouldn’t be surprised if I was wrong, though!

IPL 34th Match Preview: Kings XI Punjab v Mumbai Indians

Charbel Coorey
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KXIP, where have you been?

It has felt like an age since Kings XI Punjab played their last game. It has been one week, which is certainly an age in the IPL world. Their return will mark two major opportunities: 1. Rediscover their batting prowess with Chris Gayle likely to return and; 2. Knock out their opponents, one of IPL’s most successful ever teams.

That team is Mumbai Indians, who have been the shock team in IPL 2018 for the wrong reasons. Starting the tournament as defending champions and one of the favourites to take out this year’s title, MI have simply lost the key moments, culminating in such a disappointing defeat to the also under-fire RCB. Their bowlers have held pretty well over the last three matches, but apart from a good chase against CSK, their batting crumbled against SRH and RCB, in two very achievable chases. With their tournament just about on the line, they need to get everything right tonight.

Key to a Kings XI Punjab win

KXIP will be keen to make a good start at their adopted home ground at Indore.
KXIP own the powerplay overs in IPL 2018, the best team in this period with the bat. Up until their last game, KXIP were well above 10 an over in the batting powerplay, the only team in the 
tournament with such a figure. With Chris Gayle set to return, his partnership with KL Rahul will be on show again – their partnerships so far in IPL 2018 read: 96, 53, 116 and 55.
If these two can get going and set things up for a powerful middle order, it could be a long night for MI.
What a tournament Chris Gayle has had so far

Key to a Mumbai Indians win

Can I just be quick and say “everything”?
We can say the bowlers have done well in recent times, even keeping in mind the horror last over against RCB. At Indore, MI desperately need to break the Rahul-Gayle partnership early, otherwise they’ll be staring down the barrel. If they can pick up regular wickets, it will hold them in good stead.
Also, the top order has a massive role to play. In their two wins this season, it is no coincidence that the top order has fired, in particular Rohit Sharma. In the two wins, Sharma has scored 94 (v RCB) and 56* (v CSK). In defeats, he has scored 15, 18, 11, 0, 2 and 0. He needs to step up. 
Big onus on Rohit Sharma to perform

Possible teams

Chris Gayle is set to return to give rekindle the amazing partnership he has with KL Rahul. Expect the rest of the line up to remain pretty settled.
Kings XI Punjab XI: 1. Chris Gayle, 2. KL Rahul (wk), 3. Mayank Agarwal, 4. Karun Nair, 5. Aaron Finch, 6. Manoj Tiwary, 7. Ravichandran Ashwin (c), 8. Andrew Tye, 9. Barinder Sran, 10. Ankit Rajpoot, 11. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
As I’ve said a few times in this tournament, MI aren’t too far away from firing, but this is their last chance. They could stick with the same team tonight.
Mumbai Indians XI: 1. Suryakumar Yadav, 2. Evin Lewis, 3. Ishan Kishan (wk), 4. Rohit Sharma (c), 5. JP Duminy, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Krunal Pandya, 8. Ben Cutting, 9. Mitchell McClenaghan, 10. Mayank Markande, 11. Jasprit Bumrah

Stats and Facts:

  • Head-to-Head: Matches: 20, KXIP 10, MI 10. This is the first meeting between the two sides in IPL 2018.
  • The last time Rohit Sharma played a T20 at Indore, he scored 118 off 43 balls v Sri Lanka.
  • MI and KXIP have had it close over the last three seasons, where each time it has finished 1-1.
  • KXIP have played four games at Indore, winning three.

Prediction

KXIP will be raring to go after a week without action, and look good to beat an MI side on its last legs.
KXIP have the batting to hurt MI’s bowling, and have the bowlers to reign in their batsman. It will be a good night for KXIP, who will win this one and just about end MI’s campaign.
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