Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals is a match number 32 of the IPL 2019 season. Both teams are eager to win their games. They will face at the PCA stadium in Mohali on Tuesday (April 15) evening. For KXIP KL Rahul has been in some form and Royals would be relying on Jos Buttler‘s brisk start. Before revealing the details based on match prediction, the challenge would be the weather in the northern part of the cricket-frenzy nation.
With KXIP placed fifth on the points table, following four wins in eight games, Royals are listed seventh after winning just two in seven matches.
Punjab has lost their previous game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by seven wickets.
In the last two games, Punjab couldn’t do much despite a good showing from a couple of individuals. However, they had a great track record this season at their fortress.
Also, Chris Gayle and Steven Smith would like to up the ante against spinners for their respective sides. The duo has strike-rate in the mid-90s against the slow bowlers for this season.
Weather Forecast:
It’s not a piece of good news for the fans. The scattered thunderstorm is expected. So much so, the precipitation would go up to 70 per cent at 10:00 PM which possibly could affect the game.
With more chances of rain, it equally poses a question for the drainage system at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. On that front, it’s said to be decent.
Also, the maximum temperature would hover around 30-degree Celcius. Also, the humidity would be a massive challenge.
Evidently, it reads as high as 77 per cent during the fag end of the game.
Head-to-Head IPL Matches:
Overall Fixtures: 18, KXIP – 8, RR – 10.
Predicted Playing XI:
Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, Sam Curran, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, R Ashwin, Andrew Tye, Mohammed Shami and Murugan Ashwin.
Rajasthan Royals: Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Steven Smith, Manan Vohra, Liam Livingstone, Shreyas Gopal, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Dhawal Kulkarni and Jaydev Unadkat.
Pitch Condition:
It’s a pitch where you won’t expect a run-fest, but again it seems quite right for the batters. Plus, the spinners would be practical at the PCA Stadium given to the slower side of the pitch.
Promptly, it would be a major contest between bat and ball.
Match Prediction:
The hosts had availed firepower at the top to expose the visitors. However, the guest has also some best strikers who could change the complexion of the game.
On the contrary, it wouldn’t be easy for Punjab side while emerging favourites for the contest.
The hosts would be keen to come good show against Royals, who had shown some promise of late.
Buttler could be the highest scorer for the Royals. For, KXIP all eyes will be on World Cup-bound Rahul.
Give to the toss; the winning skipper would follow the norm to field first. Also, the first innings total on the spinner-friendly turf would be anything between 165-175.
Hosts will take away the game if rain doesn’t mar the game.