Rajasthan and Bangalore set for clash of the Royals in IPL play-offs

Sport360 staff 12:14 20/05/2015
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  • High flyers: Kohli and co. are the in-form team.

    There is very little to choose in this Royal battle at the Maharashtra Cricket Association International Stadium, Pune.

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    Both Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore have won seven games each in their 14 meetings so far. They recorded the same number of victories (seven), defeats (five) and washouts (two) in the  league to enter the play-offs. 

    Both also derive their batting power from their top three. While Rajasthan bank upon openers Ajinkya Rahane (498 runs) and Shane Watson (337) and captain Steven Smith (281) to kickstart their innings, Bangalore rely on the  explosive skills of Chris Gayle (423), captain Virat Kohli (481) and AB de Villiers (446) to drive them.

    The similarities end there with Rajasthan having a more dependable middle-order than Bangalore. 

    Rajasthan, however, have been inconsistent in their build-up to the Eliminator. They have two victories in their last nine games, two of which were ruined by rain. In comparison, Bangalore have won six out of their last 10 matches, with two washouts.

    The momentum is clearly with Kohli & Co but Rajasthan enter the contest on the back of an inspiring display by Watson, whose brilliant 104 not out off 59 balls set up a nine-run victory against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders that sealed their play-off spot.

    Rajasthan also have the advantage of having played at the venue last month and emerging triumphant, a 26-run victory against Kings XI Punjab.

    Bangalore, on the other hand, last played in Pune two years ago.

    Kohli’s side hold the edge in the bowling thanks to the presence of left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who has claimed 18 wickets in 11 games.

    It is a do-or-die game where the loser bows out and the winner heads to play the second qualifier against Chennai Super Kings on Friday.

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