IPL Preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore Face Hyderabad, Aim to Brighten Playoffs' Prospects
Only the top-four teams will make it to the playoffs of Indian Premier League 2014. With ten points, Royal Challengers Bangalore are two points behind Kolkata Knight Riders who are placed fourth currently.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: May 19, 2014 11:55 am IST
After a hard-fought win over Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore would look to brighten their prospects of earning a playoffs berth with a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League here on Tuesday. (Related: Kohli lauds team's effort vs Chennai Super Kings)
Sunrisers are virtually out of the race following their seven-wicket loss to Kolkata Knight Riders here on Sunday, but would like to achieve a win over RCB and salvage some pride. (Also read: Darren Sammy optimistic about Hyderabad's chances)
The Bangalore side has been erratic, but A B de Villiers' 14-ball 28 cameo and Yuvraj Singh and Chris Gayle's decent outings is good news for the team.
RCB's cause would get a boost if skipper Virat Kohli piles up a big score against Sunrisers Hyderabad. (Points Table)
In the bowling department, RCB's pacer Mitchell Starc and the seasoned Muttiah Muralidharan have been delivering the goods and they would be called upon to rise to the occasion again.
Sunrsers Hyderabad have been inconsistent this season and are having a poor run on their home ground, losing all the three matches in a row so far.
The Hyderabad team scored a massive 204 against table-toppers Kings XI Punjab on May 14, but settled for a less challenging 142 runs against Kolkata on Sunday.
The team lost wickets at regular intervals as the Kolkata bowlers got the better of them and a determined effort by their bowlers was not enough.
In batting, Shikhar Dhawan, Aaron Finch, Naman Ojha and KL Rahul need to come up with a sterling show tomorrow to make it tough for the rivals.
Much is also expected from Dale Steyn, Bhuveneshwar Kumar, Amit Mishra and Darren Sammy.