Top Two Matchups
A cracking contest awaits as the top two teams of IPL 2023, Gujarat Giants and Rajasthan Royals face off at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The Royals sit atop the points table with 3 wins while the defending champions Giants have the same number of wins and are placed second only due to net run rate. However, the Giants’ victories have all come in the final over indicating their knack of taking matches too deep. The Royals on the other hand have been far more convincing in their wins over Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings.
The Giants will be concerned about their tendency to win close matches and would want to finish games earlier. Skipper Hardik Pandya admitted they need to ensure not taking matches to the final over after their win over Punjab Kings. The Royals oozing with confidence would want to continue their winning momentum. With the conditions favoring chasing teams at this venue, both teams would prefer batting second. The temperatures will be sweltering making it physically demanding for players.
The Giants have an unbeaten record over the Royals, having won all 3 matches against them last season including the final. However, statistics matter little in the fickle T20 format. For the Giants, all-rounder Vijay Shankar is likely to return to the XI. The Royals are expected to bring back Trent Boult in place of Adam Zampa, possibly as an impact player for Jos Buttler. Devdutt Padikkal could replace Riyan Parag.
The key matchups to watch out for will be Rashid Khan and Mohit Sharma against Jos Buttler and Padikkal. Rashid has dismissed Buttler and Padikkal twice each. Mohammed Shami has accounted for Hetmyer’s wicket 4 times. For the Royals, Chahal has Pandya’s number having dismissed him twice and Miller’s thrice. Miller has struggled against Ashwin too.
While the Giants start as favorites given their record, but I predict the Royals on current form will give the Giants a taste of defeat,and the Royals will continue to stay at the top of the standings. Their varied bowling attack and batting depth make them dangerous opponents on any surface. However, in T20 the unpredictable can happen. The Giants with match-winning all-rounders like Miller ,Rashid and Pandya himself cannot be written off. An exciting finale is on the cards with the possibility of the points table toppers being decided at the end of this mouth-watering contest. Whatever be the outcome, cricket fans are in for a visual treat!Place your bets at online betting sites before matches, and our free cricket betting tips might just give you extra fun!
