IPL 2020, Match 50 Preview: KXIP vs RR- Team analysis, along with Fantasy XI
As per the schedule, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will lock horns with Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday. Currently, KXIP are fourth on the table, while RR sit at the seventh position. Both teams are aiming for a win to stay in the contention for playoffs.
FollowThe 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a week away to start with the playoffs. As per the schedule, Match 50 of the tournament will be played between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Team Composition
Of late, with the inclusion of Chris Gayle in the playing XI, KXIP have emerged as one of the most balanced sides. The other team, RR, too, are fairly balanced with the bat and the ball.
Current form
KXIP have won five consecutive matches recently and stand fourth on the points table. RR, on the other hand, have had their share of ups and downs and stand seventh on the table. In their first clash, earlier this season, in Sharjah, RR had won by four wickets.
Head-to-head
The teams have clashed 20 times till now, of which RR have won 11 times, while KXIP have managed to win on nine occasions.
Weather and pitch report
The weather in Abu Dhabi is likely to be around 32 degrees. The pitch has deteriorated and a score of 160-plus, with a few good bowling spells, can make the match competitive.
Probable 11
KXIP: KL Rahul (wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Mandeep Singh, Chris Jordan, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Shami, Murugan Ashwin, Arshdeep Singh.
RR: Ben Stokes, Robin Uthappa, Steve Smith, Sanju Samson (wk), Jos Buttler, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Kartik Tyagi, Jaydev Unadkat.
Fantasy XI Prediction
Batsman: Chris Gayle, Riyan Parag, Steve Smith (vc)- Gayle and Parag can ensure a decent start, following which Smith can provide the consolidation in the middle. Smith's reliable form makes him the vice-captain.
Wicketkeepers: KL Rahul (c), Jos Buttler- Both wicketkeeper-batsmen can consolidate well as per the situation, while Rahul's consistency makes him the captain.
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Ben Stokes- The all-rounders have a way both with the ball and the bat, and can contribute in almost every situation. Stokes rise in form, along with Maxwell's tricky bowling makes them dangerous.
Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal- The wristy spinners Bishnoi and Gopal can be quite deceptive. Meanwhile, pacers Shami and Archer can scalp wickets and be economical simultaneously.
Players to look out for
Glenn Maxwell: The team needs a good performance from this all-rounder in the upcoming matches, as the much-needed win will help them edge closer to the playoffs.
Robin Uthappa: The senior and probably the most experienced among the RR players, Uthappa has little been able to showcase his skills. Fans look forward to a few runs from his bat.
