IPL 2019 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab taking place? Wednesday 24th April, 15:30 (UK)
Where is Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab taking place? M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
What is the expected weather for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab? 33-34c with sunshine forecast all day
What channel is Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport 3
Where can I stream Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match on the BT Sport app
Where can I get tickets for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab? https://www.iplt20.com/schedule
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Royal Challengers Bangalore W11, Kings XI Punjab W12
Last meeting: Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Kings XI Punjab by 8 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
Coach: Gary Kirsten
Captain: Virat Kohli
- Royal Challengers Bangalore are finally starting to live up to their potential in the IPL now having won three of their last four matches and the confidence is returning to a number of their players.
- The arrival of Dale Steyn is making a big difference to them from a leadership perspective as well as having a main frontline bowler that can make an impact early for them and he along with Chalal offer them two elite wicket-takers now.
- Moeen Ali moved down the order to bat at six last time out but they will likely keep the batting order flexible depending on the situation, while there is every chance that the starting eleven will be unchanged for this match.
KINGS XI PUNJAB
Coach: Mike Hesson
Captain: Ravi Ashwin
- Kings XI Punjab are coming off a five-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals on Saturday meaning they have now lost three of their last four matches and they need to reverse this poor run of form quickly to remain in contention for a top four spot.
- They will undoubtedly be contemplating some changes for this match after the loss to Delhi with Curran and Harpreet Brar two players that could be dropped with Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sarfaraz Khan and Andrew Tye all competing to come back into the starting line-up.
- The team’s best performances have come when more than one of their batsmen have produced the goods and just as Chris Gayle is finding some of his best form, they desperately need one or two other batsmen to score heavily here on a track that will favour the batsmen.
THE PREDICTION
This is a fascinating encounter between two teams that still harbour hopes of reaching the top four but with games running out, both simply cannot afford to lose. Royal Challengers Bangalore are gaining momentum with every win right now and at home on batting-friendly tracks, they have to be favoured. Their batsmen are hitting form with Parthiv Patel, Moeen Ali and Marcus Stoinis supporting AB de Villiers and Kohli well, and they have Steyn to assist Chahal in taking wickets. Kings XI are a solid team capable of beating anybody on their day, but RCB’s star power is producing right now and have to be favoured.
