In the forthcoming IPL 2024 clash, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) will lock horns at Bengaluru’s revered M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 12th. Positioned seventh on the points table, RCB aims to capitalize on their recent momentum, having won five out of their twelve matches this season. Meanwhile, DC, holding the fifth spot, seeks to maintain their winning streak, having clinched victory in six out of twelve encounters.
In their latest showdown, RCB showcased dominance, defeating Punjab Kings by a significant margin of 60 runs, with Virat Kohli leading the charge with an impressive 92-run innings. Conversely, DC secured a hard-fought victory against Rajasthan Royals, triumphing by 20 runs, courtesy of commendable performances by Jake Fraser-McGurk, who scored 50 runs, and Abishek Porel, adding 65 runs.
With 30 encounters between them, RCB has emerged victorious 19 times, while DC has clinched victory in 11 matches. Despite the historical statistics, the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket keeps the excitement level high. The recent showers in Bengaluru leading up to the fixture may impact the match, with ground conditions potentially favouring either batting or bowling.
ALSO READ: Match 61 (CSK s RR) – 3 Player Battles To Watch Out For
However, the stadium’s reputation for yielding high scores due to its boundary sizes may remain intact, offering an exciting showdown for cricket enthusiasts. Head-to-head stats heavily favour RCB, but in T20 cricket, anything can happen, making this clash a must-watch for fans of both teams.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Delhi Capitals’ spin duo, Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel, have shone brightly this season, but their pace bowling department, led by Khaleel Ahmed, has struggled, with an economy rate of 9.68. This weakness presents an opportunity for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to target the bowlers, especially on a ground with small boundaries. Karn Sharma could play a pivotal role in RCB’s bowling plans, especially against Tristan Stubbs and Jake-Fraser McGurk, who have struggled against legspin in IPL 2024 despite having high strike rates.
Probable XI: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik, Swapnil Singh, Karn Sharma, Mohammad Siraj, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal
Delhi Capitals (DC)
The absence of Rishabh Pant due to suspension forces DC to make adjustments. Prithvi Shaw could replace him as an Indian batter, and there’s the possibility of fitting in David Warner (if fit) to add experience in Pant’s absence. Head coach Ricky Ponting also suggested using Jhye Richardson upfront to counter RCB’s top order.
Axar Patel’s introduction in the powerplay offers a strategic advantage against RCB’s openers, Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, who have relatively lower strike rates against spin. However, Kohli has shown improvement in handling spin, presenting a gamble that DC might consider. On the bowling front, DC might exploit Rajat Patidar’s weakness against pace, especially left-arm pace, as he has been dismissed eight times by such bowlers.
Probable XI: Jake Fraser-McGurk, Prithvi Shaw, Abishek Porel, David Warner/Shai Hope, Tristan Stubbs, Gulbadin Naib/Jhye Richardson, Axar Patel, Rasikh Salam, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Abhishek Porel, Virat Kohli (c), Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Jake Fraser McGurk (vc), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Will Jacks, Cameron Green, Kuldeep Yadav, Yash Dayal
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Abhishek Porel, Virat Kohli (c), Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Jake Fraser McGurk (vc), Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Will Jacks, Cameron Green, Kuldeep Yadav, Yash Dayal
