Match preview and live streaming of Chennai Super Kings v Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 7.
Where: JSCA International Cricket Stadium, Ranchi.
When: Sunday May 18, 11.30 BST.
Watch live: Click here to watch live with GoCricket!
Two-time champions Chennai will replace the Kings XI Punjab at the top of the Indian Premier League standings if they beat Bangalore in Ranchi today.
CSK have won eight of their 14 IPL matches agains RCB in the past.
Bangalore won their first two games in IPL 7 with ease, but six defeats in their next eight outings have left them facing a very tough task to reach the playoffs.
They won their last game, beating Delhi Daredevils by 16 runs on Tuesday thanks to Yuvraj Singh’s unbeaten knock of 68 from 29 balls.
RCB must win again today, and they will need their top order to improve significantly.
Chris Gayle has only got into the 30s once in this tournament, while Virat Kholi’s last six innings have included two ducks and two fours.
Prediction:
Chennai rarely play badly, so Bangalore’s batsmen are going to have to produce a big innings to stand a chance. Although they have underachieved so far in IPL 7, they are certainly capable, and I have a sneaky feeling that a destructive Gayle storm could be heading for Ranchi. It’s Gayle’s 50th game for RCB. I reckon he will rise to the occasion, so I am tentatively tipping an away win.
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