Published: May 09, 2016, 06:19 AM (IST)
Edited: May 09, 2016, 11:54 AM (IST)
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) is set to clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in match No. 39 of the Indian Premier League (IPL). IPL which is into its ninth edition will see table bottoms meet up at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium at Mohali. KXIP are coming into this match with victories in 2 of their last 3 games, while RCB are feeding of skipper Virat Kohli’s fabulous form, which helped them gain a memorable victory over Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) in their last game. With both teams boasting of names like Kohli, Hashim Amla, Marcus Stoinis, AB de Villiers and others, this match is bound to ignite sparks on the field. Vishal Mehra lists down some of the key battles from the KXIP versus RCB game at Mohali. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2016 at Mohali
Virat Kohli vs Marcus Stoinis: Virat Kohli after scoring his second ton in IPL 9 will be high on confidence to put up a great show. Kohli who has been the pillar of hope for RCB will want to fend off any danger Marcus Stoinis might throw. Stonis who was the star with the ball for KXIP in the last match picking up as many 3 off the top 4 Delhi Daredevils batsmen will look to do the same. Only this time it will be the might of Kohli, de Villiers, Shane Watson and Gayle. Kohli who would know that only a win from here on will help the RCB stay in contention for the play-offs will want to make each outing count. Stoinis will know that apart from his bowling his batting is also a game changer and look to give it his all against a weakened RCB bowling line-up.
Akshar Patel vs Shane Watson: This in all likelihood will be the clash of the all-rounding titans, with both Akshar Patel and Shane Watson performing at their best. Patel in the last match notched up a 5-ball 16, while Watson was at his destructive best smashing a 13-ball 35. Watson in the bowling department shall have an edge over Akshar, having taken 12 wickets from 8 matches. With both teams relying on their star all-rounders, this will be a mouth watering contest.
KL Rahul vs Mohit Sharma: KL Rahul has been to everyone’s surprise out performing the likes of AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle when it comes to IPL 9. Rahul is second only to skipper Virat Kohli when it comes to consistency with the bat, notching up as many as 3 half-centuries in the his last 4 IPL innings. On the other hand KXIP’s Mohit Sharma has been the only bright spot in their bowling attack this season. Sharma has picked as many as 10 wickets from the nine game he has played. Having the ability to bring the ball back into the batsmen, Rahul will find it tough early on. This intriguing fight between the bat and ball makes for a excellent viewing experience.
Yuzvendra Chahal vs Glenn Maxwell: Virat Kohli has been most dependent on the young Yuzvendra Chahal, who has provided him the goods in most of the matches. Chahal has been able to outfox opponents at will, taking wickets and giving away not too many runs in the process. Glenn Maxwell who KXIP depend heavily on has been somewhat a disappointment apart from a few matches. Chahal knowing how Maxwell loves to tear into spinners will look to take advantage of his poor form, as well, it might also mean he ends up giving away far too many runs.
(Vishal Mehra is a reporter at CricketCountry, who enjoys his weekly dose of anime, and plays cricket once a white moon. His twitter handle is @capturethecatch )
