Rajasthan Royals can get off to a great start

Bangalore v Rajasthan
Sky Sports Cricket, 11.30am Sunday
Punjab v Chennai
Sky Sports Cricket, 3.30pm Sunday

Indian Premier League favourites Royal Challengers Bangalore secured their first victory at the second time of asking on Friday as their star-studded batting line-up proved too good for Kings XI Punjab.

Having been set a below-par 155 to win, Bangalore would have expected to have knocked off the target with a degree of comfort given the prowess in their batting unit but in the end they were indebted to South African stars Quinton de Kock and AB de Villiers to get over the line with three balls to spare.

They are as short as 1-2 to beat Rajasthan but they should be wary of stiff resistance from the Royals' top order.

Skipper Ajinkya Rahane hit a match-winning 45 in Rajasthan's rain-affected win over Delhi last week while opening partner D'Arcy Short is fresh from a prolific winter in the Big Bash.

With England all-rounder Ben Stokes due in at three and Jos Buttler at four or five, Rajasthan have plenty of firepower themselves at the top of the order and could be a spot of value to outscore Bangalore in the powerplay period - the first six overs of each innings.

In Sunday's later duel, Chennai Super Kings are marginal favourites to beat Kings XI Punjab.

Recommendation
Rajasthan to have higher first six overs score
1pt 6-5 general

Follow us on Twitter

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport