Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) showcased a dominant performance, defeating Punjab Kings by a staggering 60 runs in their recent Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter. The match, held on Thursday, witnessed a stunning display of batting prowess from RCB’s star player, Virat Kohli, who smashed a remarkable 92 runs off just 47 balls.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, RCB posted an imposing total of 241/7. Kohli’s aggressive innings was well-supported by Rajat Patidar, who contributed a brisk 55 runs off 23 balls. Cameron Green added to the onslaught with a breezy 46 off 27 balls.

Kohli’s explosive innings give the first push towards win

In response, Punjab Kings struggled to keep up with the daunting target set by RCB. Despite commendable efforts from Rilee Rossouw, who scored a quickfire 61 off 27 balls, and Shashank Singh, who managed 37 off 19 balls, Punjab Kings faltered and were eventually bowled out for 181 runs in just 17 overs. Mohammed Siraj led RCB’s bowling attack with figures of 3/43, while Swapnil Singh, Lockie Ferguson, and Karn Sharma chipped in with two wickets each.

RCB bring amazing win over PBKS

The match saw several key moments, including Kohli’s aggressive start, Rajat Patidar’s crucial partnership with Kohli, and RCB’s strong finish with the bat. Despite rain delaying the game for a brief period, RCB managed to post a formidable total, leaving Punjab Kings with a challenging chase. However, Punjab Kings struggled to build partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals, ultimately falling short of the target.

See Also: ‘Was Important for Me…’ – Virat Kohli jokes about his strike rate

With this victory, RCB solidified their position in the IPL standings, while Punjab Kings’ hopes of qualifying for the playoffs were dashed. The match showcased the power of RCB’s batting lineup and the effectiveness of their bowling unit, reaffirming their status as contenders in the IPL.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a commanding 60 runs victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

Overview of the Match

The clash between RCB and PBKS proved to be an enthralling spectacle, with RCB emerging victorious by a margin of 60 runs. Despite the win, RCB maintained their position in the seventh spot on the IPL 2024 points table, while PBKS bid farewell to their playoff aspirations.

See Also: ‘Was Important for Me…’ – Virat Kohli jokes about his strike rate

Early Dominance by RCB

RCB asserted their dominance early in the match, setting a formidable target for PBKS with a stellar batting performance. They defined the match in several pivotal moments, including crucial wickets, impactful partnerships, and dramatic twists.

Swapnil Singh trapped Prabhsimran Singh LBW after being hit for a maximum in the first over. Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw then stitched together a fifty-run stand for the second wicket to get PBKS back in the game. Bairstow departed for 27 from 16 deliveries. Rossouw scored a well-made 27-ball 61 but was dismissed by Karn Sharma as Will Jacks completed the catch.

Impactful Bowling by RCB

Swapnil Singh, the left-arm spinner made an early breakthrough by dismissing Prabhsimran Singh LBW. Ferguson’s stunning catch to dismiss Jonny Bairstow added pressure on PBKS. Sharma’s dismissal of Rilee Rossouw further dented PBKS’ batting lineup.

Virat Kohli’s Masterclass

Virat Kohli’s scintillating innings of 92 runs off 47 balls played a pivotal role in RCB’s victory. Kohli’s innings were characterized by aggressive strokeplay, including seven fours and six sixes. His vintage knock propelled RCB to a commanding total of 241/7 in 20 overs, marking their fourth-highest total in the tournament.

Apart from Kohli, several other players significantly contributed to RCB’s success. Rajat Patidar’s explosive batting saw him score a crucial 55 runs, his fourth fifty of the season. His aggressive approach against spinners, including three sixes off Rahul Chahar’s first over, added valuable runs to RCB’s total.

Bowling Highlights for PBKS

Despite RCB’s batting onslaught, certain PBKS bowlers showcased commendable performances. Patel’s figures of 3-38 further solidified his position as one of the top wicket-takers in IPL 2024. His crucial wickets added pressure on RCB’s batting lineup.

The match was replete with dramatic twists, including Kohli’s early escape due to dropped catches by PBKS fielders and a 33-minute rain and hail interruption. Kohli fell just eight runs short of his second century of the season, showcasing his dominance with authoritative strokes and vintage flair.

In the 58th IPL match against the Punjab Kings on May 9th, Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batting powerhouse, showcased his exceptional skills.

Virat Kohli’s Innings

Kohli, donning the orange cap as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, led RCB’s batting lineup with finesse after PBKS invited them to bat first. Despite several early reprieves, Kohli’s determination was evident from the outset. Luck favoured him as Ashutosh Sharma and Rilee Rossouw dropped catches, but Kohli capitalized on these opportunities to anchor his team’s innings.

See Also: IPL 2024: Who is Vidwath Kaverappa? Know everything about PBKS debutant

A brief halt due to a hailstorm did little to deter Kohli’s focus. Upon resumption, accompanied by Cameron Green, he resumed his aggressive approach.

Unleashing Trademark Strokeplay

In the 13th over, facing Liam Livingstone, Kohli displayed his mastery with the bat, reaching his half-century off just 32 balls. His exquisite timing and wristy flicks left spectators awestruck. Following a slightly slow start, Kohli accelerated rapidly. Within the successive ten balls, he struck two fours and two sixes, racing to 36 off 20 deliveries before reaching his fifty in the 13th over.

Virat Kohli inched closer to clinching his ninth IPL century; however, he fell short by just 8 runs. Arshdeep Singh’s long wait to get King Kohli finally manifested as he got his first wicket of the evening. Kohli’s innings were characterized by dominance, as he amassed 92 runs off 47 balls, steering RCB to a commanding total of 241/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Key Milestones Achieved

Kohli’s innings were instrumental in the match and marked several significant milestones in IPL history.

1. Most runs by an Indian batter for RCB: Kohli surpassed the 7897-run mark, solidifying his position as a franchise stalwart.

Most runs by an Indian batter for RCB

7897 Virat Kohli

900* Dinesh Karthik

898 Rahul Dravid

884 Devdutt Padikkal

731 Parthiv Patel

2. Historic Dismissal: Kohli’s dismissal at 92 runs marked only the second instance of him getting out in the 90s in IPL history. It’s only the second instance of Virat Kohli getting dismissed in the 90s in IPL. The first was 99 vs Delhi Capitals in Delhi in 2013.

3. Dominance against Opponents: Kohli’s prowess was evident as he became the first player to score 1000+ runs against three opponents in the IPL.

1000+ runs most opponents in IPL

3 Virat Kohli vs CSK, DC & PBKS

2 Rohit Sharma vs DC & KKR

2 David Warner vs KKR & PBKS

4. Most 600+ run seasons in IPL

4 KL Rahul & Virat Kohli

3 C Gayle & D Warner

2 Faf du Plessis

Punjab Kings (PBKS) shook up their line-up for a crucial encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), including young sensation Vidwath Kaverappa. This bold move proved to be a game-changer, with Kaverappa making an immediate impact and showcasing his potential on the grand stage of the IPL.

Tactical Adjustments

PBKS opted to drop premier pacer Kagiso Rabada in favour of Liam Livingstone while bolstering their pace attack with the addition of Vidwath Kaverappa, a young uncapped Indian talent.

See Also: SA20 likely to adopt Impact Player rule

The 25-year-old Right-Arm seam bowler, who was born in Karnataka, wasted no time leaving his mark. He delivered a stellar performance that caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Dream Debut in IPL

Given the new ball to open the attack, Kaverappa immediately caught the eye with his precision and pace, almost claiming the prized wicket of Virat Kohli in his very first over.

Kaverappa’s breakthrough moment came in the third over when he dismissed RCB skipper Faf du Plessis, setting the stage for a memorable debut in the IPL.

Although Kohli welcomed him with a six in the fifth over, he got rid of dangerous Will Jacks on the fourth ball. Rajat Patidar almost fell prey to Kaverappa’s intimidating pace-bowling but Harshal Patel dropped a sitter at the deep backward square to deny PBKS from taking a huge lead in the game.

Rising Star

Vidwath Kaverappa’s journey to the IPL is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work in the Indian domestic circuit, where he has consistently impressed with his wicket-taking ability.

Acquired by Punjab Kings during the 2023 IPL auction for his base price of INR 20 lakh, Kaverappa’s retention for the IPL 2024 season underscores the franchise’s belief in his potential.

Stellar Records in Domestic

Kaverappa’s standout performances in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy demonstrate his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver consistent results.

He was the second-highest wicket-taker for Karnataka in the 2022-23 Ranji season. His stellar performances in the Karnataka Premier League caught the attention of the Punjab Kings franchise, which resulted in him getting his maiden IPL contract. His standout performance in the 2022 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he claimed 18 wickets in just eight games, highlighted his ability to be effective in the shortest format of the game.

With an economy rate of 6.36 in this tournament and a stellar showing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 17 wickets at an economy of 3.53, Kaverappa has proven his mettle as a reliable bowler under pressure.

Renowned for his exemplary cricketing skills and global influence, Virat Kohli, the star batter of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has become a role model for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Currently leading the charts as the highest run-scorer in IPL 2024 with 542 runs in 11 matches, Kohli continues to dazzle fans with his stellar performances.

Watch Kohli’s heartwarming interaction in Dharamsala

During RCB’s preparatory session in Dharamsala for their crucial encounter against Punjab Kings, Kohli’s genuine interaction with young cricketers stole hearts, as captured in a viral video circulating on social media. Amidst autograph sessions, Kohli shared valuable insights with the budding talents, showcasing his commitment to nurturing the future of the sport.

Despite RCB’s challenging start to the season, the team has mounted an impressive comeback, securing three consecutive victories. Positioned seventh on the points table with four wins in 11 matches, RCB is determined to clinch a playoff spot, adding extra significance to their upcoming clash against PBKS.

Playoff stakes high for RCB and PBKS clash

The match holds immense importance for both teams, with RCB aiming to sustain their winning streak and PBKS seeking redemption after a recent setback against CSK. With equal points but differing net run rates, both teams are gearing up for an intense battle, fueled by their playoff aspirations.

See Also: Check out all about Bengal Pro T20 League: schedule, teams, captains, and owners

Furthermore, Kohli’s inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad adds another layer of intrigue, with speculation surrounding his batting position. As anticipation builds for the marquee tournament, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await Kohli’s pivotal role, whether at the top of the order alongside Rohit Sharma or in his accustomed third position.

PBKS vs RCB Match Preview

Punjab Kings will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Match 58 of the 2024 Indian Premier League on Saturday evening at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. This is a rematch of Match 06, which RCB easily won by four wickets, and they enter the game two points behind the Kings. RCB has lost all their chance to climb the table and potentially make the playoffs. Punjab Kings were so strong and consistent in their previous two IPL campaigns that it’s surprising to see them struggling in eighth place so far this season.

PBKS vs RCB Match Details

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – 58th Match

Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium – Dharamshala

Date & Time: 09th May 2024 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

PBKS vs RCB Venue Stats

PBKS vs RCB Pitch Report

HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala does have something for fast bowlers. The ball moves here, which can cause doubt among the batsmen. Despite the smaller size of the ground, stroke players have performed well.

PBKS vs RCB Weather Report

There will be clear skies over Dharamshala, and the batting conditions will be excellent. There is little margin for error for bowlers on this track because batsmen can play their strokes freely.

PBKS vs RCB Last Five Matches

PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Match 56, DC vs RR

PBKS vs RCB Probable Playing XIs:

Punjab Kings Probable Playing XIs

Sam Curran (c), Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh

Royal Challengers Bangalore Probable Playing XIs

Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, Swapnil Singh

Topmost Picks for PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Punjab Kings

• Jonny Bairstow – Jonny Bairstow was horribly out of form and was thus dropped from the team, however, he made a roaring return to PBKS and scored a magnificent 108 to help PBKS chase 262.
• Rahul Chahar – Rahul Chahar can be handy for PBKS. The conditions in Chennai are helpful for spinners and Rahul would want to do well by exploiting the turning track.

Top Picks – Royal Challengers Bangalore

• Virat Kohli – The all-format Indian star has had an excellent tournament so far but will be keen to get the Orange Cap back after Ruturaj Gaikwad went past his 500 runs in the campaign earlier this week.
• Swapnil Singh – The spinner opened the bowling in the last game and may be called upon to do so again, particularly as he got the wicket of Wriddhiman Saha with his sixth ball.

PBKS vs RCB Probable Winners:

The Royal Challengers Bangalore have lost steam at a critical juncture this season. The middle of the order has struggled, and the team will need a better performance from its batsmen in this match to get their campaign back on track. They have lost both games and must win here to improve their position on the points table. The Punjab Kings had a good record toward them and a formidable batting lineup. Considering the team combination, Punjab Kings is expected to win this match.

In the thrilling saga of the Indian Premier League (IPL), individual brilliance often takes center stage, exemplified by the prestigious Orange and Purple Caps awarded to the leading run scorer and leading wicket-taker, respectively. Let’s delve into the captivating narratives of the Orange and Purple Cap races in IPL 2024.

IPL 2024: Orange Cap

As the battle for batting supremacy unfolds, Virat Kohli emerges as a formidable contender, showcasing his exceptional talent with a dazzling innings of 77 runs against Punjab Kings. This stellar performance propels him to the summit of the leading run scorer’s list in IPL 2024. Following closely behind is Sam Curran, whose valiant effort of 23 runs catapults him to the second position. The leaderboard for the leading run scorers in IPL 2024 reflects these cricketing maestros’ competitive spirit and unparalleled skill.

See Also: IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings by 4 wickets, Points table updated

Most Runs in IPL 2024

IPL 2024: Purple Cap

On the bowling front, Mustafizur Rahman makes a resounding statement with a spectacular four-wicket haul on his Chennai Super Kings debut, seizing the coveted Purple Cap. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah showcases his mastery of the craft despite Mumbai Indians’ narrow loss to the Gujarat Titans, securing three crucial wickets. Harshit Rana and T Natarajan also leave an indelible mark with their exceptional bowling performances, contributing significantly to their teams’ success. The comprehensive list of leading wicket-takers in IPL 2024 highlights the exceptional talent and diversity of bowling prowess on display.

Most Runs in IPL 2024

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed an enthralling contest as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) emerged victorious against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 match, showcasing a thrilling display of cricketing prowess.

In a high-stakes encounter, RCB secured a crucial win against Punjab Kings by four wickets. The match unfolded with captivating moments, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.

RCB’s Chase

In response, RCB’s chase was spearheaded by the dynamic Virat Kohli, who showcased his masterful batting skills with a classy innings of 77 runs. Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, RCB maintained their composure, thanks to Dinesh Karthik’s and Mahipal Lomror’s contributions. This pair ended up seeing the hosts through to the end. Karthik hit the winning runs with a four, finishing unbeaten on 28 off 10 balls while Lomror scored 16 in eight balls.

See Also: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli creates history but fails to achieve target against PBKS

Match Highlights

The match was characterized by intense battles and decisive moments, with both teams showcasing their competitive spirit and determination to secure victory. RCB’s bowling unit delivered a commendable performance, with standout contributions from Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj, who played pivotal roles in restricting Punjab Kings’ batting lineup.

Toss and Punjab Kings’ Innings

Faf du Plessis’ strategic decision to bowl first set the tone for RCB’s disciplined performance, putting pressure on Punjab Kings from the outset and laying the foundation for their eventual victory.

Punjab Kings faced an early setback with the dismissal of opener Jonny Bairstow in the 3rd over. However, skipper Shikhar Dhawan anchored the innings with a stellar knock of 45 runs, supported by Shashank Singh’s impactful cameo towards the end. RCB did well to keep the batters in check and put pressure on PBKS in the first 10 overs. Dhawan was eventually dismissed for 44 off 37 while the dangerous Liam Livingstone fell for just 17 runs in 13 balls. PBKS are now hoping that Jitesh Sharma and Sam Curran can given them a good finish.

Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj were the stars for RCB with the ball. Dayal returned figures of 1/23 while Siraj returned 2/26.

IPL 2024: Updated Points Table

Crowds thronged M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday, March 25, to witness the clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 6 of IPL 2024. Among the fervent supporters, one man stood out Virat Kohli. In a display reminiscent of his prime, Virat Kohli showcased his masterful batting prowess, steering RCB towards victory with finesse. Kohli’s innings unfolded as a testament to his enduring skill and determination. Kohli’s valiant effort of 77 runs off 49 balls proved pivotal in RCB’s pursuit of victory, showcasing his enduring class and resilience.

Kohli’s Record-breaking Batting

Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, Kohli achieved a significant milestone in his T20 career by registering his 100th 50+ score across all competitions. With an exceptional record of 92 fifties and 8 centuries, Kohli’s contribution to RCB’s success has been unparalleled.

See Also: IPL 2024: Netizens troll Dhoni after Anuj Rawat’s brilliant catch behind the wicket

Kohli is also only the third batter in history to score 50+ runs in T20 more in three-figure instances. Only David Warner (109) and Chris Gayle (110) are ahead of him at the moment. In T20 career, the RCB star has scored more than 12,000 runs and has a strike rate of more than 133. Kohli is one of the few players to play all of the IPL seasons so far, and he also boasts with most runs in the competition.

Kohli’s Fielding Record

Not content with rewriting batting records, Kohli also etched his name in the annals of fielding history. By surpassing Suresh Raina’s record for the most catches by an Indian player in T20 cricket, Kohli demonstrated his versatility and commitment on the field.

The overall record is held by former West Indies allrounder Kieron Pollard who has taken a staggering 362 catches so far. No other fielder has managed to touch the 300 catch so far. David Miller is second with 290 catches followed by Dwayne Bravo (271), Shoaib Malik (225), and Alex Hales (221) in the top five. In the overall list, Kohli is at the 15th spot.

India fielders with most catches in Men’s T20 cricket
173 – Virat Kohli
172 – Suresh Raina
167 – Rohit Sharma
146 – Manish Pandey
136 – Suryakumar Yadav

RCB vs PBKS Match Highlights

As the match unfolded, Kohli’s impact was palpable from the outset. Despite early setbacks, Kohli’s aggressive batting propelled RCB forward, instilling hope in the hearts of fans. However, the journey was not without its challenges, with PBKS bowlers posing formidable resistance.

Kohli smashed 35 in 21 balls after being dropped off the second ball of the innings by Jonny Bairstow and RCB were 50/2 at the end of the powerplay while chasing a target of 177.

While Kohli continued to bat aggressively and power RCB’s chase, he hardly received sustained support from the other end as Kagiso Rabada and Harpreet Brar did most of the damage for the Kings in the middle overs. Eventually though, Kohli himself perished after having scored 77 in 49 balls. RCB won the match 4 wickets.

PBKS vs RCB Match Preview

Match 6 of the 2024 Indian Premier League will be played on Monday evening at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Punjab Kings. RCB began their season on Friday with a 6-wicket loss to current champions CSK. On Saturday, the Punjab Kings beat the Delhi Capitals by four wickets. RCB were not at their best in the tournament’s first match on Friday. But there were some positive signs that they can build on and bring into this game.
Punjab Kings spoiled Rishabh Pant’s IPL comeback on Saturday afternoon by putting on a strong performance. They have frequently been accused of lacking consistency.

PBKS vs RCB Match Details

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – 06th Match

Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium – Bengaluru

Date & Time: 25th March 2024 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

PBKS vs RCB Venue Stats

PBKS vs RCB Pitch Report

The average score batting first on this pitch is 165, but given the batting talent on display. We expect this surface to produce totals of around 190 in this match.

PBKS vs RCB Weather Report

Clear skies are expected throughout the game, with temperatures dropping slightly from 32 degrees to 28 degrees by the end of the game. Throughout the contest, humidity levels will not exceed 35%.

PBKS vs RCB Last Five Matches

PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: IPL 2024: GT announces replacement for Mohammed Shami; MI enlist U19 world cup star in place of Madushanka

PBKS vs RCB Probable Playing XIs:

Punjab Kings Probable Playing XIs

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

Royal Challengers Bangalore Probable Playing XIs

Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat (wk), Karn Sharma, Alzarri Joseph, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj

Topmost Picks for PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Punjab Kings

• Shikhar Dhawan- the left-handed opener is one of the most consistent batters across all the seasons of this tournament and he will relish taking on RCB again in this match.
• Arshdeep Singh- the left-arm opening bowler got the big wicket of opener Mitchell Marsh before coming back to dismiss Sumit Kumar against Delhi Capitals.

Top Picks – Royal Challengers Bangalore

• Faf du Plessis- the South African skipper made 35 runs in a first wicket partnership of 41 on Friday and he looks in fine form ahead of this game.
• Mohammed Siraj- the Indian international went wicketless in Chepauk on Friday but he will always be a threat with the tight line and full length he bowls.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Team:

Jitesh Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Shikhar Dhawan(VC), Faf du Plessis(C), Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, Kagiso Rabada, Alzarri Joseph, Arshdeep Singh

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Team:

Jitesh Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli(C), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Sam Curran(VC), Liam Livingstone, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli

Vice-captain – Sam Curran, Shikhar Dhawan

Wicketkeeper – Jitesh Sharma

PBKS vs RCB Probable Winners:

With the RCB losing their opener and the Punjab Kings winning theirs, we anticipate a close match on Monday evening in Bengaluru. RCB’s top order of Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, and Glenn Maxwell did not perform well with the bat in Chepauk on Friday, and we expect them to improve in this game. Our prediction is that RCB will win their first match of the season. Considering the team combination, Royal Challengers Bangalore is expected to win this match.