IPL 2018, RR vs RCB, Match Prediction: Who will win the match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore

The Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on each other in what could potentially be a virtual quarter-final, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on May 19.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore are on a three-match winning streak and will look to extend that to four and move into the top four for the first time since their second match this season. They began their winning streak by defeating the Delhi Daredevils away from home and followed that up with a comprehensive 10 wicket victory over the Kings XI Punjab. They followed that with an incredible victory against the table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bangalore.

The Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, have won three out of their previous four encounters. However, they are coming into this match following a loss against the Kolkata Knight Riders. They will have to do without the services of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, the former, who has been their best batsman this season. Both, Buttler and Stokes, are travelling back to England for the beginning of their summer season.

Both the teams will be desperate for victory as the loser will most likely be out of contention for the playoffs.

Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Date: May 18, 2018

Time: 16:00 IST

If Rajasthan Royals bat first:

Predicted score: 160+

We could most likely expect D'Arcy Short back into the playing XI for the final encounter. However, he has not been performing well and will have to pull up his socks in order to give his side a good start. We might see Heinrich Klaasen in the playing XI as well. Ajinkya Rahane, too, will have to improve upon his strike-rate and help give his side a good start. The last time the two sides played, RR scored more than 200 runs. However, this time around, we could expect around 160-170.

If Royal Challengers Bangalore bat first:

Predicted score: 180+

RCB's batting department has clicked in the past few games. Both Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have been in phenomenal form and will look to carry the batting line-up on their shoulders. If they click, we could expect a big score. Moeen Ali, too, performed exceptionally well in the previous match and he will look to get going against RR as well. If RCB bat first, we could surely expect a score of more than 180.

Final prediction:

With the momentum on RCB's side, we could expect them to come out on top against the Rajasthan Royals. RR are coming off a loss and will be without Buttler and Stokes, which could affect them quite badly. If RCB do win, they will go up to third on the table and hope for the Kolkata Knight Riders to lose their match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad.