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Defeat here for Rajasthan Royals against eliminated Punjab Kings would ensure Kolkata Knight Riders finish the league stage as table toppers.
DATE/TIME: Wednesday 15th May 2024, UK – 15:00 / INDIA – 19:30 / US EST – 10:00 / US PST – 08:00
VENUE: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, India
WEATHER: Dry and extremely warm throughout with clear skies light winds despite temperatures dropping slightly as this game goes on
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: WORRYING DROP OFF LEADING INTO PLAY-OFFS
Rajasthan Royals had previously been the top-performing side across the IPL league stage, topping the table for a significant period of time, but three straight defeats have seen them lose their grip on top spot and risk entering the play-offs not only without any momentum behind them, but also with the potential of dropping further down the table, which means not competing in the first qualifier.
LAST FIVE: LLLWW
PUNJAB KINGS FORM: BACK-TO-BACK DEFEATS ENDS PLAY-OFF HOPES
Punjab Kings are playing for both pride and to avoid the wooden spoon, with six losses across their last eight games having ended their hopes of finishing inside the top four and left them rock bottom of the table on just eight points, below fellow eliminated side Mumbai Indians due to a lesser net-run-rate.
LAST FIVE: LLWWL
RAJASTHAN ROYALS BETTING ANALYSIS
The departure of Jos Buttler from the Rajasthan Royals camp for international duty leaves a gaping hole at the top of their order, with the big-hitting opener such a destructive figure with the bat. Rajasthan will no doubt be hoping his opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal can step up in Buttler’s absence. The 22-year-old has accrued just one half-century so far this season, but does boast a high-score of 104 not out. His quality cannot be doubted though and backing him to respond with a score of over 31.5 runs here is a move well worth making.
Rajasthan Royals’ top-scorer across the tournament so far has been captain Sanju Samson. He has 486 runs to his name in 12 innings and an average of 60.75. Such figures cannot be ignored from a betting perspective and backing Samson to finish this game as the Royals’ highest-scoring batter has to be favoured.
When assessing the Rajasthan bowlers, experience will likely be key in them breaking this losing streak. A spin-bowler such as Ravichandran Ashwin may well be afforded significant joy against a struggling Punjab unit who may try to take him on. Therefore, consider backing Ashwin to take over 1.5 match wickets.
PUNJAB KINGS BETTING ANALYSIS
Punjab Kings have disappointed during this IPL campaign but in Harshal Patel, they still have a consistent performer. Harshal took 3/38 most recently against RCB and has racked up 20 wickets across the entire tournament, the joint-highest number of any bowler at the time of writing.
Explore backing Harshal not just to finish as Punjab’s top bowler vs the Royals, but also to take 2+ match wickets. Fellow pacer Arshdeep Singh offers an alternate challenge through his left-arm bowling and backing him to pick up over 1.5 wickets should also be considered.
Consistently, Punjab Kings’ batting has fallen flat when under pressure, a key reason for their struggles. However, South African big-hitter Rilee Rossouw showed promise that he can lead a revival with 61 from just 27 balls last time out. Notoriously for his boundary hitting exploits, back Rossouw to hit the most match sixes for Punjab here.
RAJASTHAN ROYALS VS PUNJAB KINGS EXPERT PREDICTION
This should be seen as a golden opportunity for Rajasthan Royals to get back to winning ways and they cannot afford another slip up. Jos Buttler will be a loss, but they have enough strength-in-depth to cover for his absence and should be able to outscore a consistently under-performing Punjab Kings batting order.
The experience of the Royals’ bowling attack is likely to held see them through whether they are defending or setting a victory target and with home advantage in their favour, expect Rajasthan to get the better of Punjab Kings, securing a crucial two points.
RAJASTHAN ROYALS VS PUNJAB KINGS TIP: RAJASTHAN ROYALS TO WIN