Sharjah: Their campaigns off to a flier, both Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals would be hoping to outsmart each other when they clash in an exciting match of the seventh Indian Premier League, here tomorrow.
While Kings XI pulled off a sensational six-wicket win over the formidable Chennai Super Kings in a high-scoring match in Abu Dhabi yesterday, the Royals notched up a comfortable four-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad later in the day.
And come tomorrow, both the teams would be aiming to carry on their winning momentum ahead in the tournament.
However, on paper Kings XI will start as favourites against the Royals.
Kings XI's team composition underwent a substantial overhaul this year. Led by Australian George Bailey, the Punjab outfit pulled off quite a masterstroke by snapping up India Test discard Virender Sehwag. Even though he is no longer in his prime but on his day, the Delhi-dasher is an enthralling game-changer capable of mortifying opposition attacks.
In Cheteshwar Pujara, hard-hitting Glenn Maxwell, David Miller and Bailey, Kings XI boast of a formidable batting line-up, the effect of which was visible yesterday.
Chasing a mammoth 206-run target, Kings XI rode on a blazing 115-run stand between Miller and Maxwell to steal the scintillating win over Super Kings.
Maxwell hammered 95 off 43 balls while Miller made an unbeaten 54 off 37 to propel their team past Super Kings' imposing 205 for four with seven balls to spare.
Sehwag (19 off 10) and Pujara (13 off 10) started the chase brightly and come tomorrow, the Punjab side would be looking for an encore from its batting department.
However, bowling would be a cause of concern for Kings XI going into tomorrow's game. Almost all their bowlers went for runs against the Super Kings yesterday.