IPL 2019, Match 39, RCB vs CSK, Match Prediction: Who will win today's match?
The Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on the table-toppers Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the 2nd game of a double-header on April 21st. This match will be a rematch of the opening fixture of IPL 2019, which was a dull and boring affair at Chennai. This match is expected to be a complete opposite as both the sides' batsmen will look to capitalize on the great batting surface in Bangalore.
RCB come off a much-needed win over the Kolkata Knight Riders and do have a slim chance of making it to the playoffs if they win all of their remaining games. CSK, meanwhile come off a loss playing without MS Dhoni away to SRH. Chennai will want to get back to winning touch and qualify for the playoffs with a win in this game.
This fixture has always been one of the most high-octane fixtures in the IPL and both the teams have a lot of match-winners who can perform. RCB will look to avenge their humiliating loss from the season opener in this match.
With a cracker of a contest on the cards, let's take a look at who has the upper hand ahead of this game.
If RCB bat first
RCB haven't been too successful when they have batted first and despite posting a huge total of 213 against KKR, they won the game by only 10 runs and this highlights their death bowling woes. RCB's batting has been very good but will face a tough challenge against the CSK spinners tactfully managed by MS Dhoni who's set to return for this game. They can easily make 170-200 runs against CSK.
They need to get their death bowling right and Dale Steyn needs to take the onus upon himself to get the bowling right. It won't be easy for RCB defending a total against CSK but the side can do the job after gaining confidence after the win against KKR.
If CSK bat first
Chennai Super Kings won't mind batting first against RCB due to MS Dhoni's confidence in his bowlers defending totals but Virat Kohli's form might pose a problem or two. CSK's openers haven't really clicked this season and it has been their middle order which has powered them to big scores and if they fail, CSK haven't been able to put runs on the board.
They will look to attack the weak RCB bowling attack and look to post a total between 180-200 to be confident of defending the total.
Who will win?
Despite RCB's winning momentum and CSK's contrasting fortunes, the Chennai side have more quality in their ranks and a calm leader to marshall his troops. While RCB do stand a chance, CSK hold the upper hand in this fixture.
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