KXIP vs RPS Match Prediction: Who will win today's battle between Kings XI Punjab and Rising Pune Supergiants, IPL 2016, Match 10
MS Dhoni's Rising Pune Supergiants travel to Mohali to take on David's Miller's Kings XI Punjab today. Pune start overwhelming favourites here even though its an away game for them. Kings XI are yet to open their account after back to back losses and the Supergiants are coming from a defeat against the Gujarat Lions. The Mohali wicket is expected to play true and there will be even bounce. Its a big ground and we might see a lot of twos being run today. This being a 4 pm start, dew won't come into play and the spinners should play a role.
If KXIP bat first
A total of 150 predicted.
Murali Vijay and Manan Vohra would look to get around 45 runs in the powerplay. Punjab would hope their middle order don't come a cropper again. Shaun Marsh and the two double Ms Miller and Maxwell have to carry the batting unit on their shoulders.
If they get to 115 with either Miller/Maxwell in the crease then expect anything over 165.
On the bowling front, Kyle Abbott might come into the side and he would like to team up with the Indian duo of Sandeep Sharma and Mohit Sharma. If the two Sharmas and Abbott/Johnson could have the RSP somewhere at 30/3 around the poweplay mark, then Axar Patel and Sahu could peg the opposition back with some tight bowling. Abbott can then knock a few over at the death. It will be extremely tough but Punjab has to believe.
If the Supergiants bat first
A total of 175 predicted. Expect a lot of runs from Pune if they bat first. The conditions will suit Rahane who likes the ball coming on to the bat. Also Faf Du Plessis has been in tremendous form. A score of around 50 is predicted in the powerplays.
The likes of Kevin Pietersen, Steve Smith and MS Dhoni can then capitalise on the start. Expect a lot of fireworks,folks! These are names capable of mass destruction.
The bowling looks balanced and capable of defending any score. They will be up against a batting line up that is struggling big time. Ishant will pair up with RP Singh/Ishwar Pandey and would look to pick Vijay, Vohra and Marsh early. Maxwell v R Ashwin should be the contest to watch out for in the middle overs. R Ashwin will have M Ashwin to partner him. If they can pick 5 Punjab wickets in the first 12 overs, then it could be game over for Punjab. It should easy for Pune against a struggling Punjab but you never know!