IPL 12- Match 1- Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: Match Prediction
Updated - 22 Mar 2019, 05:51 PM
We are just a little less than 24 hours away from the start of the opening match of the 12th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will lock horns against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Like all the other seasons, the opening match of the tournament is expected to be a humdinger. Both the teams consist of some stalwarts in their ranks who has the ability to change the complexion of the match with both his batting and bowling exploits.
Even in the field, both teams have some sensational fielders who have the ability to save at least 20-25 runs in each innings. Chennai Super Kings will definitely miss the services of Lungi Ngidi who has been ruled out of the tournament just days before the start of the season. The yellow brigade has an average age of over 30 which proved to be their UPS in their last season.
It was after a couple of years that Chennai Super Kings returned to the tournament after they were banned for a couple of years due to their owner’s involvement in illegal betting. It was a sensational all-round effort from CSK last year which saw them lift the title for the 3rd time. All-rounder Shane Watson played a stunning knock in the final of the tournament against the Sunrisers Hyderabad which helped them lift the title.
RCB will look to start their IPL campaign with a victory
Royal Challengers Bangalore, on the other hand, has been the perennial underachievers of the tournament. Despite having a strong squad in the previous 11 seasons, RCB has always come under the scrutiny at crucial junctures of the game and have been found wanting. In Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, they have arguably the two best batsmen of the modern generation.
Kohli has been the most consistent batsman for Bangalore over the years. He has smashed 4 centuries in IPL which all came in a single season. The role of de Villiers will also be crucial for Bangalore’s chances if they harbour hopes of progressing through to the playoffs in the tournament. Kohli has been found out on a few occasions while setting his field and rotating the bowlers. However, he will definitely look to change the trend once the 12th edition of the tournament begins in a day’s time.
Date and Venue:
The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 23rd March 2009. The match is slated to start from 8 pm IST.
Pitch Conditions
Conditions in Chennai might be a testing one for the players. However, given the fact that it is an 8 pm start, it must be a relief for all the players. The pitch is expected to be on the flatter side and it should be a high scoring encounter. Dew might come into play but it is not sure how it will affect the course of the game. All in all, it should be a high scoring clash and the pitch could be prove to be difficult for the bowlers.
Weather forecast
It is expected to be a hot day. However given the match is an 8 pm start, the temperature is expected to fall and hover around 25-degree Celsius. Dew factor might come in play for both the teams. However, given the conditions, it is expected to be a perfect day for cricket. No rain is expected as of now.
Match Prediction
When it comes to IPL cricket you cannot really predict which franchise might win on a particular day. Both RCB and CSK have some exceptional players in their ranks who can turn the match on its head within a couple of overs. However, in my personal opinion, I feel Royal Challengers Bangalore will begin their IPL campaign with a win tomorrow despite Chennai being the defending team of the tournament and the best team over the years.
