RCB vs KKR IPL 2020 Match Day Live Updates: Runfest on the Cards as Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Sharjah

When it comes to the pitch, Sharjah will provide the players with a scoring venue mostly. However, it will also allow bowlers an opportunity to perform as the pitch seems to have been slowed down a bit. The venue is especially a golden opportunity for the spinners with slower balls and variations which might play into their favour. The pitch at Sharjah will allow a score of around 190-200 in the 20 over match considering the batting strength of both the teams.

Highlights

  • 16:15 (IST)

     

  • 15:40 (IST)

    The Kolkata-based franchise on Monday expressed surprise over off-spinner Sunil Narine being reported for suspect bowling action in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Narine was reported by the match officials during KKR's match against Kings XI Punjab which they won by two runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium last Saturday. 

  • 11:57 (IST)

    The second IPL 2020 doubleheader of the week showed the unpredictable nature of the tournament. While Rajasthan Royals (RR) ended their losing streak by pulling off an unlikely victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the first match of the day, Mumbai Indians (MI) snapped Delhi Capitals' (DC) recent win streak with an emphatic victory in the day's second game. 

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17:16 (IST)

Here is the list of most economical bowlers in IPL 2020 after most sides have played at least seven games in the tournament.

1. Chris Morris (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 4.75

2. Washington Sundar (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 4.88

3. Rashid Khan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 5.03

4. Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals) – 5.05

5. Mohammad Nabi (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 5.75

17:09 (IST)

SHARJAH PITCH REPORT

When it comes to the pitch, Sharjah will provide the players with a scoring venue mostly. However, it will also allow bowlers an opportunity to perform as the pitch seems to have been slowed down a bit. The venue is especially a golden opportunity for the spinners with slower balls and variations which might play into their favour. The pitch at Sharjah will allow a score of around 190-200 in the 20 over match considering the batting strength of both the teams.

16:59 (IST)

SHARJAH WEATHER REPORT:

With the average temperature of 34 degrees Celsius at the United Arab Emirates, it is likely to be hot in Sharjah during the match. The sweltering weather might also test the stamina of the players since the hot and dry weather leaves no room for rain.

16:57 (IST)

Here is a list of batsmen with best strike-rates after the first three weeks of IPL 2020: 

1. Kieron Pollard (Mumbai Indians) – 189.13

2. Nicholas Pooran (Kings XI Punjab) – 176.66

3. Marcus Stoinis (Delhi Capitals) – 175

4. AB de Villiers (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 172.22

5. Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals) – 164.22

16:15 (IST)

Ahead of Royal Challengers Bangalore's clash against Kolkata Knight Riders in Sharjah later today, RCB all-rounder Chris Morris has called Virat Kohli a genius for his magnificent innings against Chennai Super Kings which helped RCB win the match. 

16:09 (IST)

ICYMI: Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan has confirmed that this year’s edition of the Bangladesh Premier League will not be held due to Covid-19 pandemic. "BPL is not happening this year," Cricbuzz quoted Nazmul as telling the reporters at the launch of the inaugural edition of the three-team 50-over tournament at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. "Let’s see it in next year. We do not want to miss any game but everything will depend on the situation and circumstances," he added.

15:58 (IST)

Jofra Archer, the master of predictions, delivered on yet another challenge as he picked David Warner’s wicket in the IPL 2020 match played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. He will be rewarded with an Xbox for the deed. On September 18, just before Indian Premier League 2020 kick-started, Archer tagged Xbox UK in a Twitter post, demanding a new console. He asked how many wickets it would take. Xbox named just one wicket that of David Warner’s.

15:40 (IST)

The Kolkata-based franchise on Monday expressed surprise over off-spinner Sunil Narine being reported for suspect bowling action in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Narine was reported by the match officials during KKR's match against Kings XI Punjab which they won by two runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium last Saturday. 

"This came as a surprise to the franchise and Mr. Narine, considering he has played over 115 games in the IPL since 2012 and as many as 68 games since 2015, when he was last reported during the IPL season for a suspect action before being subsequently cleared completely by SRASSC, an ICC accredited facility," the franchise said in a statement.

15:29 (IST)

Kolkata Knight Riders come into the game against Royal Challengers Bangalore fresh off an improbable two-run win against Kings XI Punjab on Saturday. But they have a few concerns with Andre Russell’s injury and Sunil Narine’s suspect bowling action ahead of their next IPL 2020 match in Sharjah.

15:08 (IST)

HOW IMPORTANT IS WASHINGTON SUNDAR FOR RCB?

Despite playing under the shadow of Yuzvendra Chahal, Sundar has played a significant part in his team’s success so far in the competition. He has a stunning economy rate of 4.88 in IPL 2020 – the best for any bowler of any team so far in the tournament – even lower than the spin wizard, Rashid Khan! The off-spinner has bowled 18 overs in 6 matches and conceded just 88 runs. 

Full article HERE

14:40 (IST)

On the other hand, Kohli has accumulated 647 runs at an average of 37.44 and strike rate of 131.64 versus KKR, while RCB pacer Umesh Yadav has taken 13 wickets in nine outings against the men in purple.

14:36 (IST)

West Indies and Kolkata all-rounder, Andre Russell, has always enjoyed playing against Bangalore, scoring 323 runs at an average of 53.83 and strike rate of 227.46.

14:16 (IST)

LAST MEETING IN THE UAE

During IPL 2014's UAE leg, Kolkata Knight Riders had faced off against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Sharjah where the former won the encounter by just two runs. 

14:12 (IST)

RCB vs KKR last season

Last season both the times these two teams met, there were fireworks. In the first match, which took place in Bengaluru, Kohli smashed a 49-ball 84 to help RCB set a target of 206 runs for KKR. In reply, KKR reached the target with 5 balls to spare courtesy an explosive innings by Andre Russell.  In the return leg in Kolkata, Bangalore successfully defended 213. Captain Virat Kohli's 58-ball century had guided the side to a 10-run victory.

13:37 (IST)

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE vs KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS H2H

These two teams have faced each other 24 times in the Indian Premier League so far, with KKR holding a 14-10 head-to-head win/loss record over RCB.

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13:15 (IST)

5. SUNIL NARINE (KKR)

Sunil Narine is the leading wicket-taker for KKR in the IPL with 127 wickets in 115 innings. He is the third most restrictive spinner in the history of the IPL with an economy rate of just 6.74! He has picked 6 four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul in his IPL career. Narine has however, been completely out of form in IPL 2020, both with the bat and ball. He has just scored 44 runs in 5 innings and also not looked very potent with the ball picking just 5 wickets in 6 matches conceding just above 8 an over. But he would be desperate to make amends in the second half of the tournament.

13:12 (IST)

4. Shubman Gill (KKR): Shubman Gill has been the in-form batsman for KKR in IPL 2020. He has already aggregated 220 runs in 6 matches and is playing the role of the anchor and accumulator as his strike rate of 117.02 indicates. He has scored two fine fifties in the tournament so far.

13:10 (IST)

3. AB de Villiers (RCB): AB de Villiers has given two fine performances with the bat for RCB in IPL 2020. The most striking parameter is his phenomenal strike in the tournament of 172.22. He plays the role of the aggressor and playmaker in the middle overs for his franchise.

13:00 (IST)

Yuzvendra Chahal with 9 wickets right now lies 7th in the race for the Purple Cap. Delhi Capitals' Kagiso Rabada leads the race with 17 wickets. Can the RCB ace close the gap today?

12:44 (IST)

2. Yuzvendara Chahal (RCB): Yuzvendra Chahal is RCB’s highest wicket-taker in IPL 2020. The leg spinner has picked 9 wickets in 6 innings at a strike rate of 15.3 and economy rate of 7.78. He controls the flow of the match in the middle overs for RCB choking the opposition batsmen keeping a tight leash on them.

12:41 (IST)

We look at 5 players who could have the maximum impact in the match:

1. Virat Kohli (RCB): Virat Kohli displayed his class with an unbeaten 90 off 52 deliveries against CSK in Dubai. His innings was the difference between the two sides. The Indian captain is the highest run getter in the history of the IPL with 5,635 runs in 175 innings at a strike rate of 131.5 – his exploits include 5 hundreds and 38 fifties.

12:10 (IST)

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals captain Shreyas Iyer confirmed that their injured wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will be out of action from IPL 2020 for at least a week. Pant injured his leg in Delhi's previous match, against Rajasthan Royals in Sharjah. 

12:07 (IST)

Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals :

Suryakumar Remains MI's Middle-order Lynchpin

His big-hitting ability in the middle-order was evident once again against DC as he helped negate Rohit Sharma's early dismissal by putting together a quickfire 46-run stand with Quinton de Kock. By the time Yadav was dismissed, MI needed only 33 runs in 30 balls. 

DC's Fielding Cause of Concern

A game between in-form sides is often decided by the smallest of margins and so it proved for DC. Prithvi Shaw's indecision potentially cost the side a run-out of Kieron Pollard but there were other instances of them not pulling their weight on the field. Skipper Shreyas Iyer said as much after the match and DC will need to sort this issue out soon, as it has caused them issues through the tournament.

12:01 (IST)

Sunriser Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals :

RR's Faith in Riyan Parag Pays Off

The franchise never lost faith in the youngster and their trust in his ability was vindicated as the 19-year old starred in what was an unlikely win over SRH, scoring 42 of 26 balls and putting together an unbeaten 85-run stand with Rahul Tewatia. 

Tewatia Proves He's No One-hit Wonder

Tewatia not only provided the big hits against SRH - he smashed Rashid Khan of all people for three consecutive boundaries in the 18th over - he also did well to guide young Parag during what was a tricky run-chase. RR have lacked firepower in the lower order in recent times and Tewatia playing this way bodes well for them.

11:57 (IST)

Here's a recap of yesterday's matches:

The second IPL 2020 doubleheader of the week showed the unpredictable nature of the tournament. While Rajasthan Royals (RR) ended their losing streak by pulling off an unlikely victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the first match of the day, Mumbai Indians (MI) snapped Delhi Capitals' (DC) recent win streak with an emphatic victory in the day's second game. 

11:42 (IST)

3. AB de Villiers (RCB) vs Pat Cummins (KKR)

AB de Villiers has given two fine performances with the bat for RCB in IPL 2020. The most striking parameter is his phenomenal strike in the tournament of 172.22. His battle with ace speedster, Pat Cummins will be intriguing to watch. The Australian has not had the best of tournaments but is widely regarded as one of the most lethal and talented pacers in the world.

11:35 (IST)

2. Yuzvendara Chahal (RCB) vs Shubman Gill (KKR)

Yuzvendra Chahal is RCB’s highest wicket-taker in IPL 2020 with 6 wickets at under 8 an over. He controls the flow of runs in the middle overs and chokes the opposition batsmen. Shubman Gill has been the in-form batsman for KKR in IPL 2020. He has already aggregated 220 runs in 6 matches and is the most likely to play the role of the anchor. Will Gill be able to milk Chahal or will the leg spinner have the final word?

11:06 (IST)

Here are the key battles to look out for in today's game:

1. Virat Kohli (RCB) vs Sunil Narine (KKR)

Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 90 off 52 deliveries against CSK in Dubai. He is the highest run getter in the history of the IPL with 5,635 runs in 175 innings at a strike rate of 131.5 – his exploits include 5 hundreds and 38 fifties. He could be up against the crafty off-spinner from KKR, Sunil Narine, in the middle overs.

Narine is the third most restrictive spinner in the history of the IPL with an economy rate of just 6.74! He has however been completely out of form in IPL 2020, both with the bat and ball. He has just scored 44 runs in 5 innings and also not looked very potent with the ball picking just 5 wickets in 6 matches conceding just above 8 an over.

09:52 (IST)

Predicted XI -- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) - Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Gurkeerat Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Isuru Udana, Chris Morris, Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini

09:52 (IST)

Predicted XI -- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Pat Cummins, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy, Kamlesh Nagarkoti

RCB vs KKR IPL 2020 Match Day Live Updates: Runfest on the Cards as Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Sharjah

RCB vs KKR IPL 2020 Match Day Live Updates: Both teams have proven their competitive side this season and are coming into this match with wins from previous matches. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) won their last match against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and are currently at number three spot on the table. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) won the last match with 37 runs after beating MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) . RCB are currently at the fourth position on the table.

With the average temperature of 34 degrees celsius at the United Arab Emirates, it is likely to be hot in Sharjah during the match. The sweltering weather might also test the stamina of the players since the hot and dry weather leaves no room for rain.

When it comes to the pitch, Sharjah will provide the players with a scoring venue mostly. However, it will also allow bowlers an opportunity to perform as the pitch seems to have been slowed down a bit. The venue is especially a golden opportunity for the spinners with slower balls and variations which might play into their favour. The pitch at Sharjah will allow a score of around 190-200 in the 20 over match considering the batting strength of both the teams

Fighting neck to neck in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders will confront each other in the 28th match of the league. In the last three matches, KKR have lost one and won two matches, albeit with a close margin. In their last match with Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), KKR won only by two runs. On the other hand, RCB were able to dominate Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their last match on October 10 and won by 37 runs.

Ahead of Royal Challengers Bangalore's clash against Kolkata Knight Riders in Sharjah later today, RCB all-rounder Chris Morris has called Virat Kohli a genius for his magnificent innings against Chennai Super Kings which helped RCB win the match. 

Kolkata Knight Riders come into the game against Royal Challengers Bangalore fresh off an improbable two-run win against Kings XI Punjab on Saturday. But they have a few concerns with Andre Russell’s injury and Sunil Narine’s suspect bowling action ahead of their next IPL 2020 match in Sharjah.

The Kolkata-based franchise on Monday expressed surprise over off-spinner Sunil Narine being reported for suspect bowling action in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Narine was reported by the match officials during KKR's match against Kings XI Punjab which they won by two runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium last Saturday.

Despite playing under the shadow of Yuzvendra ChahalSundar has played a significant part in his team’s success so far in the competition. He has a stunning economy rate of 4.88 in IPL 2020 – the best for any bowler of any team so far in the tournament – even lower than the spin wizard, Rashid Khan! The off-spinner has bowled 18 overs in 6 matches and conceded just 88 runs.

West Indies and Kolkata all-rounder, Andre Russell, has always enjoyed playing against the Bangalore-based side, scoring 323 runs at an average of 53.83 and strike rate of 227.46.

Similarly, RCB captain Virat Kohli has accumulated 647 runs at an average of 37.44 and strike rate of 131.64 versus KKR

Last time these two teams met during IPL 2014's UAE leg, Kolkata Knight Riders had faced off against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Sharjah where the former won the encounter by just two runs.

Last season both the times these two teams met, there were fireworks. In the first match, which took place in BengaluruKohli smashed a 49-ball 84 to help RCB set a target of 206 runs for KKR. In reply, KKR reached the target with 5 balls to spare courtesy an explosive innings by Andre Russell.  In the return leg in Kolkata, Bangalore successfully defended 213. Captain Virat Kohli's 58-ball century had guided the side to a 10-run victory.

Fourth-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on third-placed  Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 28 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Ground later in the day. Both these teams have an identical record in the IPL so far. Both have won 4 of their first 6 matches. These two teams have faced each other 24 times in the IPL so far, with KKR holding a 14-10 head-to-head win/loss record over RCB.

We look at 5 players who could have the maximum impact in the match:

1. Virat Kohli (RCB): Virat Kohli displayed his class with an unbeaten 90 off 52 deliveries against CSK in Dubai. His innings was the difference between the two sides. The Indian captain is the highest run-getter in the history of the IPL with 5,635 runs in 175 innings at a strike rate of 131.5 – his exploits include 5 hundreds and 38 fifties.

2. Yuzvendara Chahal (RCB): Yuzvendra Chahal is RCB’s highest wicket-taker in IPL 2020. The leg spinner has picked 9 wickets in 6 innings at a strike rate of 15.3 and economy rate of 7.78. He controls the flow of the match in the middle overs for RCB choking the opposition batsmen keeping a tight leash on them.

3. AB de Villiers (RCB): AB de Villiers has given two fine performances with the bat for RCB in IPL 2020. The most striking parameter is his phenomenal strike in the tournament of 172.22. He plays the role of the aggressor and playmaker in the middle overs for his franchise.

4. Shubman Gill (KKR): Shubman Gill has been the in-form batsman for KKR in IPL 2020. He has already aggregated 220 runs in 6 matches and is playing the role of the anchor and accumulator as his strike rate of 117.02 indicates. He has scored two fine fifties in the tournament so far.

5. SUNIL NARINE (KKR): Sunil Narine is the leading wicket-taker for KKR in the IPL with 127 wickets in 115 innings. He is the third most restrictive spinner in the history of the IPL with an economy rate of just 6.74! He has picked 6 four-wicket hauls and one five-wicket haul in his IPL career. Narine has, however, been completely out of form in IPL 2020, both with the bat and ball. He has just scored 44 runs in 5 innings and also not looked very potent with the ball picking just 5 wickets in 6 matches conceding just above 8 an over. But he would be desperate to make amends in the second half of the tournament.

As Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Sharjah, we take a look at some key battles that could define the match:

1. Virat Kohli (RCB) vs Sunil Narine (KKR)

Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 90 off 52 deliveries against CSK in Dubai. He is the highest run-getter in the history of the IPL with 5,635 runs in 175 innings at a strike rate of 131.5 – his exploits include 5 hundreds and 38 fifties. He could be up against the crafty off-spinner from KKR, Sunil Narine, in the middle overs.

Narine is the third most restrictive spinner in the history of the IPL with an economy rate of just 6.74! He has however been completely out of form in IPL 2020, both with the bat and ball. He has just scored 44 runs in 5 innings and also not looked very potent with the ball picking just 5 wickets in 6 matches conceding just above 8 an over.

Their battle could define the outcome of the match.

2. Yuzvendara Chahal (RCB) vs Shubman Gill (KKR)

Yuzvendra Chahal is RCB’s highest wicket-taker in IPL 2020 with 6 wickets at under 8 an over. He controls the flow of runs in the middle overs and chokes the opposition batsmen. Shubman Gill has been the in-form batsman for KKR in IPL 2020. He has already aggregated 220 runs in 6 matches and is the most likely to play the role of the anchor. Will Gill be able to milk Chahal or will the leg spinner have the final word?

3. AB de Villiers (RCB) vs Pat Cummins (KKR)

AB de Villiers has given two fine performances with the bat for RCB in IPL 2020. The most striking parameter is his phenomenal strike in the tournament of 172.22. His battle with ace speedster, Pat Cummins will be intriguing to watch. The Australian has not had the best of tournaments but is widely regarded as one of the most lethal and talented pacers in the world.

Preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will clash with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 28 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in Sharjah on the 12th of October.

(IPL 2020 FULL COVERAGE | IPL 2020 SCHEDULE | IPL 2020 POINTS TABLE)

Both, RCB and KKR have won 4 of their first 6 matches and would look to further consolidate their position with a victory.

(IPL 2020 ORANGE CAP  |  IPL 2020 PURPLE CAP)

Royal Challengers Bangalore

 The biggest positive for RCB is the return to top form of Virat Kohli. He scored more than half of his team’s runs (90 off 52 deliveries) against CSK in Dubai. RCB would be hoping for a big score from Aaron Finch and AB de Villiers – both have failed in the last couple of matches.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav, Quinton de Kock Ensure MI Top Table With Five-Wicket Win Over DC

Chris Morris was the star with the ball against CSK – RCB would hope he can continue from where he left in Dubai. Although Yuzvendra Chahal is the more famous name in the XI and has been their leading wicket-taker in IPL 2020, it is the off-spinner, Washington Sundar, who has been their unsung hero and the most restrictive with an economy rate of 4.88.

Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR have won their last two matches and will be confident of making it three in a row. Shubman Gill will remain the pivot at the top of the order – he is their highest run-scorer this season with 220 runs in 6 matches. He plays the role of the accumulator as his strike rate of 117.02 indicates.

KKR would want at least one of their two West Indian imports – Andre Russell and Sunil Narine – to come good. Both have had a horrendous tournament with the bat. Eoin Morgan also needs a significant score in the middle order.

Also Read: Rahul Tewatia & Riyan Parag's Late Show Seals RR Victory Against SRH

The bowling unit has done a decent job for KKR in the tournament. Although they have not picked a heap of wickets, the likes of CV Varun, Russell and even Narine have been fairly restrictive. KKR would expect a big performance from their ace pacer – Pat Cummins, who has looked out of sorts in IPL 2020.

WHAT: IPL 2020, Match 28

WHEN: October 12, 7:30PM IST

WHERE: Sharjah

TELECAST: Star Sports Network

LIVE STREAMING: Disney + Hotstar

Predicted XI

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) - Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Pat Cummins, Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy, Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) - Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Gurkeerat Singh, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Isuru Udana, Chris Morris, Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini