Expect Royals to step it up against Daredevils

Sky Cricket, 3.30pm Wednesday

Rajasthan Royals' return to the IPL ended in a heavy defeat at the hands of reigning champ­ions Hyderabad but they could get off the mark at the second time of asking.

The Royals crumbled in the face of arguably the best bowling attack in the competition, posting a paltry 125-9 from their 20 overs – a target that the Sunrisers predictably knocked off easily with 25 balls to spare and for the loss of just one wicket.

However, the way Kings XI opener KL Rahul tore into Delhi's attack in their first match should give the Royals batsmen cause for optimism.

Rahul blasted an incredible 14-ball fifty – the fastest in IPL history – as he despatched Delhi’s opening bowlers to all parts.

And while they may not have shown it in their opening encounter, Rajasthan are similarly blessed with power-packed batting options at the top of the order.

Opener Darcy Short led the Big Bash runscoring charts in the winter, while English duo Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are star turns in the middle order. If any of those fires, Delhi could be in trouble.

Recommendation
Rajasthan Royals
1pt Evs Hills

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport