In the 52nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be locking horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday. SRH is still in contention to reach the playoffs owing to their phenomenal win over Delhi Capitals earlier in the week.
The SRH team management took a tough decision in dropping Jonny Bairstow to create stability in the middle order, and it paid rich dividends. With Rashid Khan seemingly at the peak of his powers, SRH will be eyeing a crucial win in Sharjah. On the other hand, RCB will be entering as a hot favorite for the game, as Virat Kohli and his men have already won seven games in IPL 2020. Chris Morris has added some much-needed depth and stability to the RCB’s bowling attack which also has Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar.
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RCB will have fond memories of their win against SRH in the reverse fixture, although they will be wary of a wounded Warner and co. this time around. While SRH battle to stay alive in IPL 2020, RCB is eyeing a playoff spot for the first time since 2016. With a lot at stake for both the teams in this game, we could be in for another cracking game in IPL 2020.
As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. Virat Kohli vs T Natarajan
Virat Kohli has taken it upon himself to deliver the goods for RCB. In 12 matches, Kohli has smashed 424 runs at a strike rate of 122.54. Thrice, Virat has crossed the fifty mark three times, batting in his trademark style. RCB skipper’s ability to build his innings and go berserk in the death overs is a massive plus for RCB.
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The SRH pacer, T Natarajan has been able to prove his worth for SRH as he scalped 13 wickets in the season so far. Against Kohli, though, Natarajan will have his task cut out. The RCB skipper will look to unsettle one of the best bowlers of modern-day cricket.
#2. David Warner vs Yuzvendra Chahal
The stand-in SRH skipper, David Warner pollard has had a below-par tournament thus far by his own high standards but on his day remains a formidable opponent regardless of the format, such is his ability to fashion run-scoring opportunities. Yuzvendra Chahal has been RCB’s go-to man whenever they needed wickets and they will hope he can dismiss the SRH skipper early and thus increase their chances of a victory.
#3. AB de Villiers vs Rashid Khan
On Saturday, Rashid Khan will come across the might of RCB veteran, AB de Villiers, whose recent inning against RR has been something else altogether. Rashid has played just every match for SRH he has scalped 17 wickets in the 12 matches so far and maintained an economy of 5.
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Rashid’s economy will surely be challenged by De Villiers, who has so far played nine games for 339 runs at an insane strike rate of 171.21! He has so far hit 20 sixes and 26 fours in IPL 2020. The last time the two teams met this year, De Villiers went berserk in the slog overs.
