Having come so close to a place in the Eliminators, the last thing that Virat Kohli and his Royal Challengers Bangalore would want is a shock defeat at the hands of Delhi Daredevils.
In what is the penultimate match of the league stage of this year’s Indian Premier League, the equation is simple – Bangalore need at least one point from the match.
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The match, which is a 2:30pm UAE time start, is being played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, which is the home ground for Royal Challengers.
Daredevils have 10 points from their 13 matches, and the only achievement that is possible for them in the match is spoiling the party for the home side.
Bangalore have earned 15 points, including what now seem like the all-important two in their last match on Friday when they chased down 83 runs in six overs in a rain-interrupted match against Hyderabad.
After winning just one of their first four matches, the Virat Kohli-led team has run into form just at the right time and won six of their nine matches, one of which was washed out.
The win over Hyderabad was a very important one – not only did it give Bangalore two points, but equally important was the fact that it denied David Warner’s side those two points which would have ensured them a place in the Eliminators.
Bangalore have depended on their top three batsmen – Kohli, Gayle and AB de Villiers – and all three have delivered.
On the other hand, nothing has gone right for Delhi this year, except for the consistency of their skipper JP Duminy. They have defeated tough opponents like Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai, but have not been able to string together a series of wins. A flat pitch, quick outfield and short boundaries means one has generally seen a run feast at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
