New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 42 of the Indian Premier League at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Currently, RCB sits in 4th place on the points table with 10 points, having won 5 of their 8 matches. In their previous encounter with RR this season, RCB emerged victorious by 9 wickets, comfortably chasing down a target of 170+ in just 17.3 overs.
RCB has been in excellent form this season, known for conquering tough venues. Their journey began with a dominant win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens in the season opener, chasing down 175 in just 16 overs, claiming a 7-wicket win. Next, they faced Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chepauk, where RCB emerged victorious by 50 runs in a remarkable performance, ending their long drought at the venue since 2008. They followed it up with a thrilling 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede, securing their first win there in 9 years.
Then, they defeated RR by 9 wickets at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, chasing 174 with 15 balls to spare. Most recently, RCB comfortably chased down 159 to beat Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, claiming their 5th win of the season. However, RCB’s home record has been a concern. They have played 3 home games this season so far and ended up losing all 3 of them. The pitch at M Chinnaswamy, known for favoring batsmen, has been playing differently this season, offering early assistance to fast bowlers. The toss has played a crucial role in these home games, and RCB, under Rajat Patidar’s leadership, has lost the toss in all three of their home games. Batting first at home has been a challenge, RCB’s batting line-up has collapsed in every home game and it resulted in RCB struggling to set competitive totals.
In their first home game against Gujarat Titans (GT), they only managed 169, which was easily chased by GT in 18 overs. In their second home match against Delhi Capitals (DC), RCB posted just 163, which was chased with 13 balls to spare. Most recently, in a rain-affected game against Punjab Kings where overs were cut short to 15 overs per side, RCB batted first and collapsed to 42-7 and somehow managed to reach 95/9 at the end of their innings with Tim David’s unbeaten 50 off 26 balls rescuing them.
Tim David has been RCB’s savior in these situations, scoring vital runs after batting collapses in home games:
32 off 18 against GT
37 off 20 against DC
50 off 26 against PBKS
Today, all eyes will be on the toss, as RCB hopes to secure their first home win of the season. Will they overcome their home struggles, or will RR spoil the party and claim a crucial victory?
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 42 of the Indian Premier League at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
