Match 50 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will feature a pivotal match for that notorious number four spot as Kings XI Punjab will take on the Rajasthan Royals.
The equation is fairly simple for both the teams, they just have to win both of their remaining matches. Royals have their backs against the wall and losing this match would pretty much have their one foot out of the door. That isn’t the case for KXIP, however, they would like to win both their matches. Losing one would cost them to be dependent on the net run rate and other teams.
RR is coming off a dominating win over the table-toppers Mumbai Indians. KXIP, on the other hand, is coming off a good win against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Rajasthan Royals
Royals revived a lot of hopes of them making the playoffs in their last match. Their bowling looked haphazard as the mighty MI lineup was able to put a huge score of 195 onboard. While chasing, the Royals lost two early wickets on opener Robin Uthappa and skipper Steve Smith.
They were reduced to out of form Ben Stokes and Sanju Samson who slowly started building up the score. That’s when they shock the world as both of them constructed a 152 run partnership to take RR home. Stokes scored a phenomenal 107 not out off 60 balls which included 14 fours and 3 sixes. Samson scored an important 54 off 31 balls.
Kings XI Punjab
KXIP has been a great form. They were at the bottom of the points table, however, winning four matches has them in contention for the number 4 spot. However, the injury of Mayank Agarwal has been an issue. Their top-order has therefore looked inconsistent, however, Chris Gayle and Mandeep Singh have been changing that narrative. Pooran has looked good in the middle order but should get more support from Maxwell.
Their bowlers have looked great with Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan, Arshdeep Singh, Murugan Ashwin, and Ravi Bishnoi.
Fantasy XI team
KL RAHUL (11) (C) – Rahul has been extremely consistent in this IPL. He has been a run machine and will be our captain.
JOFRA ARCHER (9.5) (VC) – Archer looked in a great rhythm and is among the leading wicket-takers of the season.
CHRIS GAYLE (9) – Gayle has been fairly consistent despite being on the sidelines for the majority of the tournament.
JOS BUTTLER (9) – Buttler has been looking good keeping in mind his new role to handle the middle order.
STEVE SMITH (9) – Skipper Steve Smith has been fairly consistent. He can turn the tables anytime he goes to bat!
BEN STOKES (9.5) – Stokes scored a great 107 not out off just 60 balls against the mighty MI lineup.
SANJU SAMSON (9) – Samson has finally found form after looking haphazard. He’ll be an important aspect.
MANDEEP SINGH (8) – Mandeep Singh has looked in great form and scored a solid half-century in his last match.
MOHAMMED SHAMI (9) – Shami has been in great form and has always been among the wickets.
RAVI BISHNOI (8.5) – Bishnoi had lost his form midway through the tournament but has regained it.
CHRIS JORDAN (8.5) – Jordan has been in good form as well and has been picking up important wickets especially in the death overs.
PREDICTION
KXIP has been really good in their last four matches. RR has shown good results, however, consistency has been an issue for them. Kings XI Punjab will therefore defeat the Rajasthan Royals.
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