The dust has settled. The league stage is done. We move into the playoffs of IPL 2016. Four teams have made it here. The top-two play Qualifier one which gives them the cushion of Qualifier Two, if any mishaps happen on their first go in their attempt to reach the final. However, with the chance of directly going into the finale at stake, nobody will leave any stone unturned when they clash on 24th May.
Gujarat Lions started the tournament strong. The Lions stumbled during the league stage but finished strong to make the playoffs with eighteen points.
Trivia: Gujarat Lions captain Suresh Raina has been a part of the playoffs in every season.
Royal Challengers Bangalore experienced the extremes this season. Bangalore was off to a wobbly start and swam in the bottom half of the table during the first half of the tournament. Then, things turned around and Bangalore finished the table in the second spot. Thanks to the captain Virat Kohli. He led Royal Challengers Bangalore from the front in every match.
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
Fixture date: 24 May 2016
Match Timing: 8:00 PM IST
If Gujarat Lions bats first:
Predicted score: 175 and above.
Gujarat Lions has a very strong batting order. Brendon McCullum will likely open the innings with Dwayne Smith. Aaron Finch will play in the lower order.
The opening pair is strong. If any of these two players get going tomorrow, we could see a score well above 200. McCullum still has to find his best nick. He looked to find his lost form in the match against Mumbai Indians, though. This is a good sign for the Lions. Smith is terrific from. He is even handy with the ball as well.
In the middle order, Suresh Raina took charge in almost every match. No worries for Gujarat Lions at number three. However, Dinesh Karthik’s form should be a matter of concern for Gujarat.
With the likes of Bravo and Jadeja, expect some fireworks in the backend of the innings.
Gujarat Lions bowling has been decent throughout the tournament. GL’s strike bowlers have been amongst the wickets regularly. Dwayne Bravo and Dhawal Kulkarni have been the standout performers for the Lions in IPL 9.
If Royal Challengers Bangalore bats first:
Predicted score: 185 and above.
Chris Gayle will open the innings with Virat Kohli. Chris Gayle found his form during the past few games. Bangalore will be pleased with this. Virat Kohli - phenomenal. This sums it up for the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain. He has been in terrific form throughout the tournament. He scored four centuries and ten held-centuries in IPL 9. He is the leading run-scorer with over 900 runs. He is well on his way to reach the 1000 run mark.
AB de Villiers is in good form too. He has been a part of some truly spectacular partnerships with the captain. If he gets going, it’ll be tough times for Gujarat Lions. Shane Watson has been inconsistent with the bat. This should slightly concern RCB. Indian youngsters have been in good form as well. Lokesh Rahul stands above all.
In the bowling department, Shane Watson has been excellent. Chris Jordan made a decent comeback after his poor start of this campaign. Chahal is the leading wicket-taker and is the player to watch out for in this match.
Royal Challengers Bangalore hammered Gujarat Lions in the previous encounter and will fancy their chances this time.
Predicted winners: Royal Challengers Bangalore
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