Two action-packed games are on the cards over the next couple of days. On Tuesday, The Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosts Lucknow Super Giants at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. In the second match, the Delhi Capitals take on the Kolkata Knight Riders in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday evening. Here, we will predict the outcomes of the two games and look at how the teams stack ahead of the contest.
RCB vs LSG
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are heading into this match after losing their last game to the Kolkata Knight Riders at home. So far, they have played three matches this season and have won only once. Their batting and spin bowling have been their primary concerns in these games. Apart from Virat Kohli, the other top and middle-order batters have yet to quite be able to step on the gas. RCB also lack a quality spinner, hurting them massively and putting pressure on their pacers.
The Lucknow Super Giants, on the other hand, registered a win in their previous match against the Punjab Kings after starting their campaign with a loss. Their lineup is now shaping up quite well. LSG’s batting unit is quite experienced; most are in good form. On the other hand, their bowling unit is also improving with the arrival of new pace sensation Mayank Yadav. In this game, he will give the RCB batters a run for their money.
Key Players
Virat Kohli scored fifties in the previous two games and will be looking to carry on. With the other top-order batters looking out of form, RCB hope that Kohli can step up again. Nicholas Pooran will be Lucknow’s key player. He has played explosive knocks in both games so far, and his ability to take down spinners in the middle overs will also play a crucial role in this contest.
Match Prediction
Although RCB is the home side in this contest, LSG have the upper hand owing to their squad’s players’ superior balance and quality. The visitors have a balanced batting unit, and their robust bowling lineup will make life difficult for the RCB batters.
DC vs KKR
After starting the season with back-to-back losses, Delhi Capitals surprised everyone as they defeated defending champions Chennai Super Kings quite comprehensively in their previous game. David Warner carried his good form forward, whereas returning skipper Rishabh Pant struck form with an excellent fifty. But the real match-winners were the DC bowlers, who dominated the CSK batters in all phases. Khaleel Ahmed did the early damage as he removed both openers in the powerplay itself and was adjudged the Player of the Match.
On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders have started off brightly, winning both matches so far. Their explosive batting has made quite a statement in both games. Moreover, the bowlers have responded equally well, putting pressure on the opposing batters with tight and disciplined spells. Considering how they are set up as a team, KKR will also enjoy playing in the conditions at Vizag.
Key Players
Rishabh Pant struck form with a crucial fifty in the last match, and he will also have a pivotal role to play in this game, batting at No.4 for DC. For KKR, Andre Russell holds the key. The all-rounder has delivered superb performances with both bat and ball, and he is eager to do well here again.
Match Prediction
Although Delhi Capitals won their last game, they still have some issues in their team that can be exploited. KKR, on the other hand, looks formidable this season. Whether it is batting or bowling, stopping them will take a lot of work. They are the favourites to win this contest.
