RCB vs KXIP: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Kings XI Punjab in match number 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday. RCB are bottom of the eight-team table, but have won their last two games. KXIP have been inconsistent. They are on fifth position. A cracking battle in on offer. Here is the detailed match preview.
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Head-to-head meetings between the two teams
The two teams have met each other on 23 occasions in the IPL. KXIP enjoy a 12-11 advantage. Earlier this season, RCB had beaten Punjab in Mohali.
RCB batting
RCB's top four will look to shine at home
RCB's openers are the main threat for KXIP at the Chinnaswamy. Parthiv Patel has shown grit and character in IPL 12. Virat Kohli has been among the runs as well. The hosts will hope AB de Villiers comes good on the day. Englishman Moeen Ali is playing his final game of the season and his match-winning abilities could come in as a beneficial factor.
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Dale Steyn will look to influence RCB with the ball
Dale Steyn's positive influence has got RCB in a better zone mentally. He has been supreme in the first six overs. Navdeep Saini and Yuzvendra Chahal have put in the hard work. The issue lies with the other Indian pacers, who have been very costly.
KXIP batting
KXIP need the middle order to support Gayle
KXIP have been guilty of a faulty middle order. This has put enormous pressure on Chris Gayle and KL Rahul. Veteran southpaw Gayle has been on song this season, but he needs the others to rally around him. Mayank Agarwal at number three will need to regain his form that guided him at the start. The batting from there on has been highly inconsistent.
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KXIP need to be smarter with the ball
KXIP will be wanting to come together with the ball as a unit. Mohammed Shami has been terrific. R Ashwin has picked up key wickets with Murugan Ashwin supporting him in the spin department. But KXIP have the tendency to be inconsistent.
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Pitch report, TV listing and timing
The pitch at the Chinnaswamy in Bengaluru will assist batsmen. One can expect a high-scoring game. Anything above 180 will be a strong score. The match is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM IST. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and can stream the same on Hotstar app.