Kolkata Knight Riders again have their back against the wall, despite the squad to boast of the strongest team of IPL 2012. Million Dollar babies, Yusuf Pathan and Captain Gambhir are unable to perform. Captain is failing to get the right combination. Royal Challengers Bangalore on the other hand are confident of another win, specially after defeating KKRs tormentor in first match, DD, that too without their star Gayle in action.
History
They have played each other 8 times in 4 seaon which included the biggest IPL victory of any team by runs. 2008 saw KKR winning both the matches, while 2009 and 2011 belonged to RCB when they won both matches. 2010 saw them sharing a match each. RCB leads 5-3.
Head-to-Head: 5-3
2008
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KKR def RCB by 140 Runs
KKR def RCB by 5 Runs
2009
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RCB def KKR by 5 Wickets
RCB def KKR by 6 Wickets
2010
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KKR def RCB by 7 Wickets
RCB def KKR by 7 Wickets
2011
2008 Performance
RCB finished second from the bottom winning 4 matches and Lost 10. KKR failed to impress despite 6 Wins, 7 Losses and one no result.
2009 Performance
In 2009, RCB finished 2nd best registering 9 wins and 7 losses. KKR finished at the bottom with just 3 wins, 10 losses and one abandoned match.
2010 Performance
In 2010, RCB finished 3rd winning 8 and losing 8 games, while KKR had a better season with 7 Wins 7 Losses, still failed to break into knockout stage.
2011 Performance
RCB reached the final, while KKR entered their maiden semifinal, finishing 4th. RCB topped the group with 9 wins, 4 losses and an abandoned match. KKR won 8 and lost 6 at grroup stage. RCB lost 2 of the 3 knockout matches, including the final. KKR lost the only match played in eliminator.
Overall Performance
RCB has won 32 and lost 31. With 24 Wins, 34 Losses, 2 No Result KKR has the second worst record among the IPL teams.
Who Will Win Today!!
Bangalore provides high scoring results. Both the teams rely on batting filled with pinch hitters. KKR has more of them, yet Bangalore is owned by RCB since last season, due to Gayle and Kohli show. Another good show by one of them, and KKR would be staring at third consecutive defeat.
Considering Gambhir’s problem in selecting the right team, Shakib and Doeschate may still warm the benches. Kallis may hit a good score against his old team, as has been the trend with other players who were forced to change teams. But, Yusuf Pathan, Gambhir and other must fire to win the match. They need it desperately.
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