Rajasthan Royals vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore, M Chinaswamy Stadium, Bangalore – 18th March 2010 Rajasthan Royals would be all charged up when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinaswamy Stadium. RR would be very keen to register their first win of the tournament. The fact that two of their main players Graeme Smith and Dimitri Mascarenhas are ruled out of the IPL makes the task even more challenging for the Royals. However, if history is anything to go by then RR should come-up triumphant as they always have performed well when they are under pressure.
RCB are fresh from a win against Kings XI Punjab chasing down a mammoth score of 203 in 19 overs. So it would be interesting to see how the RCB batsmen go against RR bowlers. Even though the RR bowlers were put to the sword by the DD batsman in the initial overs, they displayed great character to comeback and bowl well in middle and end of the innings. Shaun Tait bowled well at the later stages of the game against DD. Morne Morkel might get a game and this could add some real sting to the RR attack. RR would also be looking up to skipper Shane Warne to provide some inspiration with the ball. Munaf Patel also needs to use all his experience to lead the RR attack and restrict RCB batsmen.
Batting of RR needs to fire and for that they would need to get off to a good start. In the absence of Graeme Smith, Michael Lumb can make his IPL debut along with either of Damien Martyn or Adam Voges and this would certainly bolster the batting. Yusuf Pathan, as usual holds the key for the Royals and the good batting track at Bangalore might just suit his game. Naman Ojha and Paras Dogra are in good touch but need to make full use of their form. Johan Botha could also be drafted in to the side to strengthen both the bowling as well as the batting department.
With the tournament in the balance RR would want to get their act together and do what they do best, play some excellent cricket and entertain their fans. Shane Warne and his team are no strangers to difficult situations like this and have always risen like phoenix when they are down and this time it would be no different.
Player to watch out for: Naman Ojha has promised a lot in the first two matches without really going on to make a big score. Hence he is due for a big score and RR would be looking up to him to take more responsibility in the absence of Smith..
RR Squad (from): Swapnil Asnodkar, Naman Ojha, Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, Yusuf Pathan, Paras Dogra, Shane Warne, Shaun Tait, Amit Uniyal, Kamran Khan, Munaf Patel, Michael Lumb, Damien Martyn, Siddhrath Trivedi, Adam Voges.
Halla Bol!!!
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