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
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

Related links

Indian Premier League 2009 News

ICC Rejects Match-fixing Reports in IPL [+]

The ICC refuted reports that 29 IPL players were under the scanner of its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit for suspected match-fixing or spot-fixing.

Ranatunga Blames Modi for India's T20 WC Disaster [+]

In a stinging attack on Lalit Modi, former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga has blamed the Indian Premier League commissioner for the national team's disastrous show in this year's Twenty20 World Championships.

Dale Steyn Cleared of Doping Offence [+]

Fast bowler Dale Steyn has been cleared of any doping offence by the Indian Premier League (IPL), Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on Wednesday.

Steyn Failed Drug Test During IPL Season 2 - CSA [+]

Dale Steyn failed a drug test as a result of taking painkillers to recover from an injury during the IPL 2, Cricket South Africa said.

Sourav Ganguly to lead KKR in IPL 3 [+]

The former Indian captain will lead Kolkata Knight Riders in the absence of NZ wicket-keeper Brendon McCullum in Indian Premier League season 3.

Wright May Take Charge of IPL' Knight Riders [+]

Former India coach John Wright is in line to replace John Buchanan as the new coach of the Knight Riders, according to sources.

IPL to Have 10 Teams From 2011 Onwards [+]

Indian Premier League chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi said the eight-team tournament will be expanded to 10 teams in 2011.

Deccan Chargers Winners of the DLF IPL 2009 [+]

Spirited bowling performance helped Deccan Chargers defeat Bangalore Royal Challengers by 6 runs in the second IPL final at New Wanderers Stadium.

IPL Final - Kumble Helps Bangalore Restrict Deccan to 143 [+]

Bangalore have set themselves 144. Kumble looks confident of chasing it down. Didn't he bowl well? Four wickets in the final. Took out Gilchrist first over and then sent back Symonds when he was looking devastating. I'll be back shortly for the chase.

IPL 2009 Final - Royal Challengers Face Deccan Chargers [+]

In a dramatic turnaround of fortunes in the IPL, last year's bottom-placed teams Royal Challengers and Team Hyderabad will vie for the title in the grand finale.