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Rajasthan Royals could begin this match outside of the top two depending on SRH’s result earlier in the day, whilst Kolkata Knight Riders already have top spot wrapped up.
DATE/TIME: Sunday 19th May 2024, UK – 15:00 / INDIA – 19:30 / US EST – 10:00 / US PST – 08:00
VENUE: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, India
WEATHER: Warm but cloudy with a chance of rain showers across play
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Sky Sports / INDIA – Star Sports / US – Willow TV
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Sky Go / INDIA – JioCinema App / US – Willow TV
RAJASTHAN ROYALS FORM: RAJASTHAN RESULTS CONTINUE TO NOSEDIVE
Rajasthan Royals’ recent struggles are well documented despite their lofty position in the table, having lost their last four games. Arguably the worst result of the four came last Wednesday at the hands of already eliminated Punjab Kings
LAST FIVE: WLLLL
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS FORM: WINNING STREAK ENDED BY THE WEATHER
Kolkata Knight Riders had won each of their last four to overhaul Rajasthan at the top of the table and although their most recent game was abandoned, the point gained was enough to crown them league winners.
LAST FIVE: AWWWW
RAJASTHAN ROYALS BETTING ANALYSIS
Rajasthan Royals need to find a way to end their bad run before entering the play-offs and if they are to do so, the expectation is that their bowlers will play a key part. Trent Boult is one such potential difference maker, with his left-arm pace offering a valuable point of difference within their bowling attack both inside the powerplay and at the death. Back Boult to take over 1.5 match wickets.
From a spin-bowling perspective, Yuzvendra Chahal could come into play, Kolkata may look to attack Chahal, which may end up working in his favour. Consider backing Chahal to end this game as Rajasthan’s top bowler, although a small stake is advised when taking into account the depth of options at the Royals’ disposal.
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS BETTING ANALYSIS
Although Kolkata Knight Riders won’t have Phil Salt available, Sunil Narine is more than capable of replicating Salt’s fireworks at the top of the order. The West Indian will no doubt be looking to clear boundary at every opportunity and backing him to record over 0.5 match sixes looks a smart play. Backing Narine to score over 2.5 match fours is also worth exploring.
Varun Chakravarthy’s leg-break bowling has bamboozled opponents across the 2024 IPL and 18 wickets accumulated is testament to his efforts. Against a Rajasthan batting unit low on form and confidence, KKR’s most potent bowler could end up profiting, so back Chakravarthy to accrue over 1.5 match wickets.
RAJASTHAN ROYALS VS KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS EXPERT PREDICTION
Without Jos Buttler at the top of the order, you can’t help but feel that Rajasthan Royals’ soft underbelly is exposed. Nothing is going right for them at present and it’s a very difficult hole to dig yourself out of in T20 franchise cricket when going through a bad patch.
It’s very much the opposite for Kolkata Knight Riders though and despite the loss of Salt, they are still expected to beat out the Royals provided bad weather doesn’t play too much of a part.
RAJASTHAN ROYALS VS KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS TIP: RAJASTHAN ROYALS TO WIN