Much of RR’s fortune hinges on bowling
Last season when these teams met, Rajasthan Royals pulled off a screamer of a run-chase thanks to a brilliant cameo from Rahul Tewatia. They will need a miracle innings from someone to test Punjab Kings in the opener with the bowling seriously hit by Jofra Archer’s absence. They have odds of 1.86 to beat Punjab in Mumbai.
Punjab have an explosive batting line-up and against a weak Rajasthan bowling unit, they will be eyeing a high total, especially on the Wankhede surface where batting can be pretty much easy. The KL-Rahul-led side has odds of 1.86 to win their first game of the 2021 season.
RR in front in overall head to head fixtures
Rajasthan Royals have won 12 of the 21 matches between these sides including both matches in the 2020 season. In 2019, though, Punjab managed to win both matches. The contests between these middling teams have often been unpredictable, but this contest could well be lopsided if Rajasthan do not shore up their bowling in Archer’s absence.
RECOMMENDED BET: Punjab Kings have a strong batting line-up and the depth and hitting power in it gives them odds of 1.86 to beat the RR side.
In Mumbai, Delhi breezed through in the run-chase against Chennai on Saturday and on a similar surface we can expect another high-scoring game, especially as both teams are known to pack power with the bat.
Keep an eye on…
Buttler-Stokes : All eyes are on Rajasthan’s explosive opening combination and how they fare against Punjab’s bowling attack. Buttler and Stokes and their powerplay could decide Rajasthan’s season.
West Indies power: Punjab have three big-hitting West Indians in the squad – Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and Fabian Allen. Will they unleash them all in the first game? If so, can Rajasthan tie them down?
TIP: PBKS have a lot of big hitters and have odds of 1.74 to hit more sixes in this game.
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