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Royal Challengers Bangalore, who need a victory desperately to qualify into the playoffs, will take on the table-toppers Gujarat Titans in the 67th match of the Indian Premier League 2022. The two teams will meet at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May 19.
Royal Challengers Bangalore have found themselves in a ‘do or die’ situation after losing their last game. They have 14 points to their name with seven victories and a net run-rate of -0.323. They need to win the game by a big margin and also hope other results go in their favour.
In their most recent fixture, RCB were hammered by 54 runs at the hands of Punjab Kings. Wanindu Hasaranga was magnificent with his 2/15 in four overs while Harshal Patel picked 4/34 but the rest of the attack was taken apart. Chasing the target of 210, Royal Challengers Bangalore lost wickets in heaps and managed only 155/9 at the end of 20 overs.
Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, sit at the top of the table having secured their playoff as well as top two spot. They have bagged 20 points from 13 matches with 10 wins and a net run-rate of 0.391. The Titans are coming off two wins following their ‘eye-opening’ two consecutive losses. In the last game, Hardik Pandya’s men defeated Chennai Super Kings by seven wickets at Wankhede Stadium.
Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers, picking 2 for 19 as they restricted CSK to only 133/5. Wriddhiman Saha led the charge in the chase with his unbeaten 67 off 57 to take the team home.
The last time RCB and GT met, Rahul Tewatia and David Miller pulled off an incredible win for Gujarat Titans at Brabourne Stadium. Royal Challengers Bangalore will be looking to settle the scores.
Key players
Faf du Plessis has had a mixed season in IPL 2022, with a few big scores surrounded by some low ones. The South African has scored 399 runs in the season from 13 innings at an average of 33 while striking at 133. Du Plessis has registered three fifties in the tournament, all of those above 70. He scored 73* against Sunrisers but fell cheaply in the last game. If RCB are to do well, their skipper needs to produce another big knock.
Wanindu Hasaranga has struggled for control at times but he has been magnificent for the team, making an impact in several matches. He’s the second highest leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2022 with 23 wickets from 13 games at an economy of 7.48. Hasaranga has claimed one five-for and one four-wicket haul in the competition. The leg-spinner was outstanding in their previous fixture, returning 2/15 in four overs when the team conceded 209.
Wriddhiman Saha is one of the underrated batters in the IPL in recent years. He’s one of the quickest scorers in the powerplay and has continued to be the aggressor in the ongoing season. Saha has scored 281 runs in eight innings at an average of 40 and strike rate of 123. He has registered three fifties in the tournament with the most recent one coming in the last fixture. Saha will once again be a key at the top of the order.
Rashid Khan is the best T20 spinner in the world and has an enviable record at an age of 24. The fast leg-spinner didn’t have a great first half with the ball in the IPL 2022 but has returned among wickets in the last few games. He has picked 16 wickets in the season at an economy of 6.86, including best figures of 4 for 24. Rashid remains a key player for Gujarat Titans.
Prediction
Royal Challengers Bangalore have a good bowling attack but the form of Mohammed Siraj has been a huge concern. Josh Hazlewood also had one of the most expensive spells in the last game. Hasaranga has been terrific with the ball. The batting unit needs their top order to step up. Glenn Maxwell has produced small cameos but needs to go big.
Gujarat Titans’ strength is their bowling unit, which could see some changes in this fixture. Lockie Ferguson could be back while Shami could be rested. In the batting department, Saha and Gill have been solid at the top with Miller and Tewatia offering late firepower.
Having secured their top position on the table, Gujarat Titans are likely to rest a few of their key players, which could play into the hands of the men in red and gold. Expect Royal Challengers Bangalore to win this much important clash on Thursday.
