There is another double header of action in the Indian Premier League on Sunday with both matches looking like providing really good entertainment. The opening game comes from Rajkot where the Gujarat Lions welcome the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Gujarat Lions
The Lions began their Indian Premier League existence with three solid wins in their opening three matches but they came unstuck against the Sunrisers last time out and they will be out to make up for that in this match.
Surprisingly after three straight wins Gujarat changed their side for the last match with Dale Steyn coming in. Although it is harsh to judge anyone in their first match Steyn didn’t impress much and the Lions’ batting was much more subdued without its usual depth.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Royal Challengers picked up a much needed win over Rising Pune Supergiants on Friday but you couldn’t call it convincing. In fact had Thisara Perera kept his head when he needed it the most you could easily have seen Bangalore messing up with another solid total on the board.
In the end they bowled well for once and it will be on them to repeat that bowling performance here and in the rest of their matches if they are to be competitive in the tournament. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers look in amazing form so runs look a given.
Team news
You would think James Faulkner would be straight back into this Lions side given what he provides at the end of both innings’. Dale Steyn is the obvious one to make way as Gujarat need more batting depth for the likes of Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum to be at their most effective.
Bangalore are expected to remain without Chris Gayle who has been away on paternity leave although he did post a picture of him at the airport on Instagram on Friday so don’t be too surprised if he does appear. Kane Richardson might make way if the big man is back.
Form
Gujarat Lions: WWWL
Royal Challengers Bangalore: WLLW
Head to head: First meeting
Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium
This Rajkot ground has now staged two matches in this tournament with both matches being won by the side chasing. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the ground is suited to chasing because both first innings totals always looked inadequate but on the flip side I would be surprised if either win the toss and bat given the danger on the opposing batting line ups.
The wicket historically has always yielded runs although this will be the third match on this particular wicket as the host broadcasters are reluctant to move their kit so that another pitch can be used. That might mean the wicket tires and takes some spin where it normally wouldn’t.
Betting
I got done by opposing Bangalore the other night although I still think I’d have landed the bacon had Kevin Pietersen not gone lame after a ball of his innings so I’m going to stick to my guns and take them on again.
I would be surprised if Bangalore can pile on the runs against a better bowling attack that the Lions have and while Kohli and de Villiers can do extraordinary things the home side have an opening pairing capable of doing the same which is what makes this one so interesting.
In the end this one is likely to come down to my age old theory for 20 over cricket in that the better bowling attack will win. With Bravo, Jadeja and either Faulkner, Tye or Steyn as well as Kumar and Tambe that attack is definitely the Gujarat Lions’ and as such I’ll take them at even money.
Tips
WON – Back Gujarat Lions to beat Royal Challengers Bangalore for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with NetBet
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