Royals vs Knights set to be a humdinger

James Faulkner (right) and Pravin Tambe of Rajasthan Royals during a practice session in Delhi. Pic/PTI

Ahmedabad: The last time they clashed, Rajasthan Royals edged past Kolkata Knight Riders in perhaps the most nerve-wrecking contest of this season's IPL and it promises to be another humdinger when the two teams with fluctuating fortunes square off here today.


James Faulkner (right) and Pravin Tambe of Rajasthan Royals during a practice session in Delhi. Pic/PTI

Their most recent head-to-head took place on April 29 in Abu Dhabi. That clash turned out to be a battle of epic proportions. Both the teams ended their regulation overs on the same score, before also finishing level in the Super Over.

Finally it took a boundary count back to decide the match which was won by Royals. And it would be interesting to see whether KKR would be able to pull themselves up from the slumber and extract revenge for the heartbreaking loss. Royals are better-placed as far as morale is concerned.

Contrasting fortunes
The team chalked out a thumping win over Delhi Daredevils on Saturday with Karun Nair slamming a 50-ball 73. KKR, on the other hand, were thoroughly outplayed in their 34-run defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings in their most recent match.

The biggest strength of Royals going into the match is their in-form batting. The team is on a three-match winning streak and given the dismal form which Kolkata is battling, a fourth victory on the trot does not look unlikely.

194
The number of runs Ajinkya Rahane has scored for Rajasthan Royals in IPL-7