In the ongoing IPL 2019, it’s going to be the battle between stars when Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in Mohali on Saturday (April 13) evening. Before discussing the match prediction, the hosts are entering the game with a disappointing loss following Keiron Pollard’s whirlwind knock of 31-ball 83 at Wankhede.
On the other side, RCB has somewhat been in a slump.
Currently, Ravichandran Ashwin-led side is placed fourth on the list of IPL points table 2019. But RCB is at the bottom of the table with six straight loses.
Punjab has won four out of their seven games.
Interestingly, KL Rahul has been in some kind of form and would be keen to perform against his former IPL franchise RCB. Rahul is second on the list as the most run-getter in this season.
In the previous match, Rahul has slammed a fine hundred to amass 317 runs in seven IPL innings. He scored runs at an exceptional average of 79.25.
On the other side, Mayank Agarwal would be aiming to improve his performance despite finding himself in the top ten run scorers of the IPL 2019. He is fifth on the list with 223 runs in six games at an average of 37.17.
However, Chris Gayle is doubtful for the game while suffering from a long-standing back issue.
On the other side, the onus is on RCB skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. Also, their bowlers need to stand up and deliver.
Kohli has accumulated 203 runs at an average of 33.83. He has been the only highlight for the RCB so far apart from Yuzvendra Chahal.
Chahal is the most successful bowler for the RCB. In six matches, he has bagged nine wickets in this season. Such has been the bad luck of RCB, there is no other bowler in the top-20 list of most wicket-takers in the ongoing IPL edition.
Overall, it’s going to be a thrilling contest with stars facing each other.
Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore –
Head-to-Head:
Total Matches 22; KXIP 12, RCB 10
Mohali as a venue: 6 – KXIP 3, RCB 3
Weather Forecast:
It will be the hot day with the temperature in the mid-30s. The minimum temperature will be 23-degree centigrade.
Besides, it’s not going to be easy on the field, as the heat hasn’t even spared top-notch athlete MS Dhoni in Jaipur.
Players have to be more cautious in the late night game with humidity a concern to look at.
Pitch Report:
So far, the PCA Stadium has emerged a familiar surface for the slow bowlers. The pitch is expected to play similarly on Saturday (April 13).
However, the batters have done a decent job on this particular surface which has offered a true bounce.
Match Prediction:
To be frank, Kings XI Punjab has done well in this season so far. But, it’s time to give an outside chance to the RCB.
With star-studded players lined-up, RCB is capable of changing the fortunes. They have the firepower to carry a potential threat against the opposition.
Overall, it’s going to be a major battle between both teams. Precisely, RCB has a lot at stake.
We could expect the first innings projected score of 170-180.