Clash of Royals at Bengaluru

Bengaluru, April 14: A keen contest is on the cards as Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals cross swords in the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Sunday.

RCB are placed fifth and RR sixth on the points table with two points each from two matches. They both lost their respective openers against Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. RCB notched up their first victory of the season, riding on South African star A B de Villiers’ brilliant half-century to beat Kings XI Punjab by four wickets. RR celebrated their return to the ‘fortress’ Sawai Mansingh Stadium with a 10-run win over Delhi Daredevils in the rain-hit match, getting past a revised target of 71 runs in six overs as per the Duckworth/Lewis method.

De Villiers and Quinton de Kock, who scored 45 runs to lay the foundation against Punjab, will aim to continue the good work. Captain Virat Kohli, who has 52 runs under his belt so far, will be itching to make a mark by getting a big knock.

Brendon McCullum also would like to get into the thick of things, especially after getting a golden duck. Sarfaraz Khan has been disappointing as he managed to get only six runs in two matches and if he does not pulls his socks up quickly, he could lose his place to England’s Moeen Ali, who can also bowl a bit. Chris Woakes, though successful with the ball, is yet to make an impression with his bat. The RCB think-tank, including Gary Kirsten, could give a chance to Corey Anderson, who has the ability to hit long and hard. — PTI