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IPL 2020, Match 15: RCB vs RR – Preview

It is the first double-header in the Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 and it will be Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) who will kickstart the proceedings when they take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 15 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

RCB kicked off their campaign with a win against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) but lost their second game of the season against Kings XI Punjab. RCB though managed to return to winning ways after they beat Mumbai Indians (MI) in a thrilling Super Over-finish in their third game.

Meanwhile, RR registered two wins in as many games – against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and KXIP. However, KKR denied Steve Smith and Co. a hat-trick of wins, handing them their first loss of the tournament.

Both the teams will now be seeking their third win of the season and these are the players who could play a decisive role in the outcome of the game.

Jofra Archer

While his six-hitting ability has not gone unnoticed this IPL, RR will want Jofra Archer to have an encore of his performance against KKR. The England speedster had hit the ground running against the Dinesh Karthik-led unit and was RR’s most successful bowler in the match. If he comes good with the ball against the likes of Virat Kohli, Finch and ABD, RR will be in with a chance to seal their third win.

AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers is looking in the zone and that means it is a good sign for RCB. Mr 360 has scored two fifties in RCB’s three games and even during his 28-run knock against KXIP, he played some delectable strokes. ABD is coming into this game on the back of his sensational 54*-run display against MI and he will be looking forward to continue his good run of form as RCB face RR.  

Sanju Samson

After two stunning batting performances against CSK and KXIP, scoring 74 and 85 respectively, Sanju Samson could only score 8 against KKR. However, he and RR would like to believe that the knock against KKR could just be a blip. If Samson comes good with the bat like he did in the first two outings, expect RR to score big.

Aaron Finch

In their previous game against MI, the Australian limited-overs skipper set the tone for RCB with a quickfire fifty, and Aaron Finch will once again be expected to come good. If he fires at the top like he did against MI, it will lay a solid foundation for the likes of Virat Kohli and ABD. 

Wild Card

Jos Buttler

He missed out on RR’s season opener as he was in the mandatory quarantine and could not score many in RR’s second game. While he got out in the 20s in the game against KKR, he looked in a good nick, hitting Narine down the ground and scooping Pat Cummins, before getting out. If Buttler fires at the top, RR are guaranteed to have another fine outing with the bat.

Stats

  • RCB at this venue: Played 1, Lost 1
  • RR at this venue: Played 3, Won 3

Approaching Milestones

  • Virat Kohli needs 70 runs to complete 5500 IPL runs.
  • AB de Villiers needs 5 catches to complete 100 IPL catches.
  • Jos Buttler needs 89 runs to complete 1500 IPL runs and requires 116 runs to complete 1000 IPL runs for RR.
  • Steve Smith requires 84 runs to complete 1000 IPL runs as captain. 

Source: IPLT20.com

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