IPL 2020: Match 54: Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Rajasthan Royals: Weather Forecast

The race for the IPL 2020 playoffs is well and truly heating up. And, the 54th game of the season could well see it accentuate to the hilt when Kolkata Knight Riders lock horns with Rajasthan Royals in what is a virtual knockout game for both sides in Dubai on Sunday.

After having lost back-to-back encounters against Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings, the Knight Riders are hanging by a bare thread as far as remaining relevant for the playoffs is concerned.

With just 12 points after 13 games and an NRR of -0.467, KKR not only needs to win their last game against Rajasthan Royals but they will also have to hope that Kings XI Punjab loses to CSK and SunRisers Hyderabad lose at least one of their last two fixtures.

As far as their team-combination is concerned, the Knight Riders have had a plethora of issues throughout the tournament. Their batting-order has changed almost every game. In the last game, Sunil Narine came to bat at the No.3 spot followed by Rinku Singh at No.4.

Both experiments backfired substantially. They would, however, be relieved with the form of Nitish Rana showed in the last game but they will want their senior pros in Morgan, Kartik to come to the party in the knockout game. Another issue for KKR is their fast bowling. While Pat Cummins has come back well in the last two games, Lockie Ferguson came in for a bit of a stick against CSK. With the Indian fast bowlers being inconsistent thus far, the onus of leading the attack will once again be on Cummins and Ferguson.

 

Can Rajasthan Royals continue their imperious run against Kolkata Knight Riders?

Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, have rejuvenated themselves thanks to brilliant batting performances in the last two games against Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab.

The likes of Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith, and Jos Buttler have looked in pristine touch, and given the form that they are in, they would be confident of chasing down almost anything that KKR puts up.

That said, RR’s bowling and especially their fast bowling stocks are a cause for worry. Barring Jofra Archer, none of their Indian pacers have come to the party and it could prove to be the difference in the end if they end-up defending a total.

Also Read- IPL 2020: Match 54: Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Rajasthan Royals: KKR Predicted XI

IPL 2020: Match 54: Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Rajasthan Royals: Weather Forecast

Another bright and sunny day awaits us in Dubai on Sunday. According to the BBC weather report, the temperatures are expected to fluctuate between 31-20 degrees celsius. A cool breeze is expected to blow throughout the day while the humidity is set to be around 52 percent.