IPL 2016 Match 50, RCB vs KXIP Preview: Can the Royal Challengers continue their impressive run?

The Royal Challengers have kept their hopes alive in this tournament as they outclassed the Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous match, beating them by 9 wickets. Skipper Virat Kohli mustered yet another half-century and played the anchor role for the Challengers, guiding them to their sixth victory of this season of the IPL. The Royal Challengers will have to win their remaining 2 matches to stand a chance of entering the top 4.

The Kings XI Punjab had a disappointing defeat in their previous match, losing to the Sunrisers Hyderabad even after setting a target of 180. The match had a brilliant climax, the Kings failed to contain Yuvraj Singh as he blasted his way through their bowling line-up. The Kings XI will hope to finish this season on a strong note and give something for their fans to cheer.

The Match 50 of VIVO IPL will feature the Royal Challengers playing on home turf against the Kings XI Punjab at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The weather forecast predicts light rain showers for the next few days in Bangalore and hopefully, that should not affect the game.

Match Date and Time: 18 May 2016, 8 pm (IST)Match Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.

Weather:

Temperature: Max 25°C, Min 24°C

Humidity: Max 87%

Wind: 17 km per hour

Pitch Report: Par-score 190. Flat batting wicket.

In-Depth Analysis:

Skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have taken charge for the Challengers in the majority of the matches in this season and the last time these 2 players batted on this Bangalore wicket, they both ended up getting centuries and breaking the record for the most runs scored by a team in an innings this season. With Chris Gayle showing signs of getting back to form in the previous match against the Knight Riders, the Challengers batting line-up is a step above lethal.

The middle-order batting of the Challengers is well rested as Kohli and de Villiers batted through to the 20th over. The Challengers though have a consistent middle-order consisting of Shane Watson, K L Rahul, and Sachin Baby. They bat deep with all-rounder Stuart Binny coming in at number 7, who on his day is capable of swinging the bat and getting quick runs for his side.

Seamer S Aravind went for quite a few runs in his previous game with the new ball but picked up a couple of important wickets to ultimately save the day for the Challengers. Left-arm orthodox spinner, Iqbal Abdulla was the pick of the bowlers for the Challengers as he picked up a wicket and conceded just 22 runs in his 4 overs against the Knight Riders batsmen. The Spinner have bowled well under pressure against world class batsmen and produced some quality performances for the Challengers in this season.

The Kings XI Punjab have had a forgettable season and will need some serious additions to strengthen their batting department. The selection of the South African Hashim Amla was a step in the right direction for the Kings XI as he is a proven match winner with the bat. Amla top scored for the Kings XI in their previous match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad with an elegant 96 of just 56 deliveries, smashing 14 fours and a couple of big sixes. Youngsters can look up to Amla as an example, and try to play more conventional shots.

Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman, Gurkeerat Mann Singh, and David Miller got good starts but failed to capitalise on them. Saha has been batting in his preferred number 3 position and he will need to make full use of his limited opportunities if he is targeting a place in the Indian Cricket Team.

The bowling of the Kings XI has looked toothless at times, lacking the aggression which of a certain Mitchell Johnson. The Australian has not been included after his poor performances at the start of the tournament but might just be the bowler the Kings XI require right now.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have been performing admirably under pressure, giving the supporters a lot of hope of making it to the playoffs. The Challengers will be backed to win this game against the Kings XI Punjab.