Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals, Durban - Preview

Durban: Kings XI Punjab are on a roll. A thrilling win against Kolkata Knight Riders has elevated them to the second spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and they will be looking to maintain their position when they face defending champions Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday (May 05).

The last time both the sides met each other at Cape Town, Kings XI Punjab had the last laugh winning the match convincingly by 27 runs.

Punjab have found some momentum after getting off to a slow start, and what's been particularly impressive is the consistency shown by the bowlers. Abdulla has been incisive, Irfan Pathan has supported him well, and Piyush Chawla's guile and control has meant that few batsmen have successfully belted him for runs. The batting responsibilities have been shared around as well, with four batsmen getting half-centuries.

Kings XI made a slow start to the IPL but as the tournament progressed they have caught up with the pace. They started with two consecutive losses and the three wins on the trot brought them back in the hunt. Out of seven matches, they have won four and lost three for a healthy win-loss ratio.

As their result pattern suggests, Rajasthan have struggled to consistently put together winning performances. Their top order has been woeful, and their poor form continued against Deccan, when they slumped to 3 for 3 before the middle order bailed them out. Yusuf Pathan has been the tournament's biggest matchwinner so far, but in the last few games Ravidra Jadeja and Abhishek Raut have put their hands up too, which is good news for them. Now, if only Graeme Smith hits top gear soon.

At Kingsmead here, Rajasthan Royals will be looking for nothing less than a win to take revenge.

For the defending champions, it has been a topsy-turvy ride this season and despite their win against table toppers Deccan Chargers, Rajasthan Royals are languishing in the deeps of the league just above bottom placed Knight Riders.

Match facts
Tuesday May 05, 2009
Start time 12.30pm, 10.30GMT, 04:00pm IST

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Australia vs India - 1st Test West Indies vs Bangladesh - 1st Test 1st ODI - Zimbabwe v Pakistan - November 24, 07:30 GMT 2nd ODI - Zimbabwe v Pakistan - November 26, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Sri Lanka v New Zealand at Kandy No results 3rd T20I - Australia v Pakistan at Hobart Australia won by 7 wickets (with 52 balls remaining)

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