IPL 2020, RR vs CSK: Pitch report, stats and more
In the fourth game of 2020 IPL, three-time champions Chennai Super Kings will lock horns with Rajasthan Royals. While CSK have already won the tournament opener against Mumbai Indians, the Royals would want to begin their campaign on a winning note. The match will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which hosts its first game this season. Here is the pitch report.
In Sharjah, batting is usually favorable due to shorter boundaries. However, spinners are always in action as the surface often gives rise to cracks. Meanwhile, the fast bowlers may also gain the edge early on. In the upcoming game, there are minimal chances of rain-interruption, while the temperature will hover near 39 degrees Celsius along with a high humidity level.
In 2014, the IPL was shifted to the UAE as it clashed with the General Elections. A total of 20 matches were held in the nation, with Sharjah Cricket Stadium hosting six games. This time, the stadium will host 12 of 56 league matches.
In that season, Kings XI Punjab remained the only franchise to have won two games without losing at Sharjah. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings also won a game each here. Interestingly, RR failed to defend 191 against KXIP at this venue. On the other hand, CSK chased down 146 in their only game against SRH.
The Dubai International Stadium has hosted a total number of 14 T20 Internationals since 2013. The highest team total at the venue has been registered by Afghanistan (215/6). It is interesting to note that the highest run-chase here is 140 (Afghanistan vs Scotland). Also, the top-two wicket-takers at this venue are spinners - Samiullah Shinwari (12) and Mohammad Nabi (10).
So far, the likes of Ambati Rayudu and Mayank Agarwal have projected the importance of settling down on sluggish UAE decks. In Sharjah, the batsmen will be able to score rather freely as the dimensions are smaller. Also, the contest between RR spinners and CSK skipper MS Dhoni will be interesting. Meanwhile, pace spearhead Jofra Archer will be set to breathe fire here.
