Royal Challengers Bangalore will be eyeing a win over Delhi Capitals to end the league stage on a high. They squandered a golden opportunity to take a giant step towards the qualifier 1 race when they lost to SRH. Their loss proved to be DC’s gain as they ensured themselves a spot for the first qualifier.  The match will hold a lot of mental edge as these two teams might end up facing each other again in the playoffs, lets analyse more about RCB vs DC match.

RCB vs DC: Form Preview

Can RCB bounce back in the last league match?

It is not often that Bangalore end up qualifying for playoffs with 2 games in hand. But RCB managed to do just that this season. Their campaign got on track with a hattrick of wins in the UAE. But RCB will rue the fact that they could not cross the finish line against a struggling SRH. It has potentially robbed them of a chance in playing the first qualifier. RCB have to put that game behind and focus on winning against DC to land a psychological blow. But can they bounce back in such limited time, that is the question to be asked?

Will DC notch up 11 wins in the league stage?

Delhi Capitals became the first team to qualify for the top-2 spot this season post RCB’s loss against SRH. They are sitting pretty at the top of the table with 10 wins under their belt. DC will be eyeing a win to extend their golden run this season. They have a great chance to notch up 11 wins in the league stage. The match might not hold much significance in the context of the league but has a lot of psychological angle attached to it.

RCB vs DC: Favourites?

RCB will be eager to put the loss against SRH behind them and continue the good show while DC will on the other hand will be eager to end the league stage on a bang.

Which players will be match-winners in this game?

Avesh Khan and Kagiso Rabada will relish bowling under helpful conditions in Dubai.

Glenn Maxwell will look to stamp his authority against DC.

X-factor player:

Shikhar Dhawan is the orange cap holder for a good reason. He will be DC’s biggest X-factor.

AB de Villiers has great numbers against DC. He will be RCB’s key man.

Probable Playing XI:

Royal Challengers Bangalore predicted XI:

Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Srikar Bharat, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Daniel Christian, Kyle Jamieson/George Garton, Harshal Patel, Mohammad Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

Delhi Capitals predicted XI:

Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, Steve Smith/ Tom Curran, Rishabh Pant, Shimron Hetmyer, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Avesh Khan

What do stats say about RCB vs DC?

RCB and DC have played 26 IPL games against each other.

RCB has won 15 games. DC has won 10 matches. 1 game has ended in no-result.

RCB’s highest score against DC is 215. DC’s highest score against RCB is 196. 

RCB’s lowest score against DC is 137. DC’s lowest score against RCB is 95. 

Pitch:

The Dubai pitch does offer a bit for everyone. The batsmen can trust the true bounce. There will be swing early on. But if the openers are able to ride the early challenge then they might be in for a big knock.

Weather Report:

A high of 36 degrees and a low of 28 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. Dew might not play a big factor in Dubai. 

Ground stats:

A total of 67 matches has been played at this venue. Teams batting first have won 35 games while chasing teams have won 31. The average scoring batting first at this venue is 144. On the other hand, the average 2nd innings score is a paltry 122. Anything above 160 will be a par score batting first.

StumpsandBails verdict:

It is a battle between DC’s momentum and RCB’s temperament. DC hold an edge in this game but RCB will be keen to prove a point.