The second match of Super Sunday between the Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Rising Pune Supergiant promises to be an exciting affair. Both teams have endured similar results so far, having won just one out of the four matches that they have played and will look to end their losing streak.
It will also be yet another instance this season when Virat Kohli and Steve Smith square off against one another after fighting it out for over a month in the Border-Gavaskar series in February and March.
The RCB have endured a bit of a mixed run as far as their batting is concerned. In the game against the Delhi Daredevils, Kedar Jadhav rescued the side with the bat to help them reach a competitive total. While in the next game, Virat Kohli’s 62 was the saving grace for the side as they once again faltered with the bat.
They will want bigger contributions from both the top and the middle-order in the game on Sunday in order to put up a big score on the board.
On the other hand, for the Pune Supergiant, their skipper Smith holds huge significance for them. They were bundled out for 105 in the match at home against the Delhi Daredevils, a game that the Australian missed and although they bounced back with the bat in the next game, it did not help them break their streak of losses.
It is really tough to say which is the better bowling attack between these two teams. Perhaps the RCB have the edge since they have the likes of Tymal Mills, Yuzvendra Chahal and others who have the experience of bowling at the Chinnaswamy. On the other hand, a large part of Pune’s hopes hinges on Imran Tahir, who has been one of the bowlers of the competition so far.
Extra Cover: IPL 2017 RCB vs RPS: Rising Pune Supergiant's today's probable playing XI against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Match 17
Prediction:
If RCB bat first: 150+
While the score may be too low, it is predicted keeping the wicket that we had in the last game in mind. If it is slow, dry and grips a bit, then surely run-making will not be easy and hence the score is slightly lower than what you usually expect from the RCB, with their fancied batting line-up.
If RPS bat first: 160+
Not too much change and the 10-run difference is only because of the presence of a power-hitter like Stokes in the middle-order. Spinners will have a big say if the pitch is dry again and it will be interesting to see how the Pune batters tackle that challenge.
Prediction: Purely because they have a slightly better bowling attack, The Royal Challengers Bangalore have the edge in this contest. However, if Pune bat well and then show discipline with the ball, they could have the upper hand. Promises to be a cracker.
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