The top three batsman from each side are likely to determine the outcome of the Eliminator Final in tonight’s Pepsi IPL action. The Royal Challengers Bangalore group of Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers face off agansit the Rajasthan Royals trio of Ajinkya Rahane, Shane Watson, Steven Smith in a battle of high quality batsmanship that will ultimately decide who heads into the 2nd Qualifier.
The Last Time These Two Met
The Challengers have got the better of the Royals in the two meetings this year. In the 22nd match of the IPL RCB easily chased down 130, losing only one wicket and with 4 nigh on four overs up their sleeve. Despite rain washing out the second meeting, Bangalore were also in command after notching an even 200 in their allotment. RCB have the form and history for sure.
The Teams
Royal Challengers Bangalore (likely): 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Virat Kohli (capt), 3 AB de Villiers, 4 Mandeep Singh, 5 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 6 Sarfaraz Khan, 7 David Wiese, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Harshal Patel, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 S Aravind/Ashok Dinda
The favourites have their number one relatively set in stone. The only contentious decision concerns S Aravind and Ashok Dinda in the final bowling spot.
Rajasthan Royals (likely): 1 Ajinkya Rahane, 2 Shane Watson, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Sanju Samson (wk), 5 Karun Nair, 6 James Faulkner, 7 Chris Morris, 8 Deepak Hooda, 9 Stuart Binny, 10 Dhawal Kulkarni, 11 Pravin Tambe
With the Royals well settled selection of foreigners the only position of note is at number 11. Talented Legspinner Pravin Tambe could get a chance at the expense of left-arm seamer Brainder Sran.
The Key Players
Mitchell Starc – In years gone by when RCB had Gayle, de Villers, Pieterson, Taylor at their disposal it was obvious how they would use their overseas players. Even when Daniel Vettori commanded a spot he never took bags of wickets. This season’s different. RCB now have a strike bowler capable of striking fear into the opposition, capable of late swing, a searing yorker and taking bagfuls of wickets. Starc is that man, and the big left armer is set to finish near the top of the wicket taking charts for the second tournament in a row (he topped the World Cup list and is currently five behind Dwayne Bravo).
Ajinkya Rahane – The diminutive right hander is now one of India’s top batsman in all forms of the game. Coming off an excellent test series in Australia and an above average World Cup effort, Rahane has scored 498 runs from 12 innings – the second best behind David Warner. His composure at the top of the order is the perfect foil for Shane Watson’s big hitting and has served the Royals well in the IPL. If Rahane can survive the Starc onslaught and go on to 50, the Royals will go along way towards wing this game.
The Match Odds*
Royal Challengers Bangalore – $1.57
Rajasthan Royals – $2.41
*Courtesy of Sportsbet Australia.
The Prediction
Royal Challengers have momentum on their side, and in our view the more destructive game winners. It;s not often Kohli, Gayle and de Villiers will all fail in the same game, so for that reason we’re picking them to win by 40 runs or 6 wickets.
The Best Bets
If you’re looking for a batting smokey in the Royals outfit try Steve Smith. The captain hasn’t had a happy time of it in the series but is at $4.50 to top score tonight.
Faulkner’s at $17.00 for the same option. Worth a punt.
