Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on Steven Smith-led Rajasthan Royals in the first match of the double-header on Saturday. Both teams have an opportunity to climb to the top spot for a few hours. One of Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, who play the second game of the day, will replace the winner of the first game of the day to climb to the top position because of better NRR.

Both RCB and RR have punched above their weight in IPL 2020 so far. The Bengaluru-based franchise had kicked off its season with a win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. RCB lost to Kings XI Punjab but were quick to make a strong comeback against defending champions, Mumbai Indians, in the Super Over.

RR, on the other hand, had pulled off a big heist by defeating Chennai Super Kings in their first game. They were almost out of the contest against Kings XI Punjab before Rahul Tewatia turned the game with five sixes in one over off Sheldon Cottrell. They lost their third game to Kolkata Knight Riders.

It is to be noted that RR’s both wins have come at Sharjah, which has smaller boundaries if compared to the other two stadiums. The first match of the day will be played in Abu Dhabi.

Going into the contest, both the teams are expected to make some changes. RCB would want to address the poor death bowling as their bowlers leaked 89 runs in last five overs against Mumbai Indians that saw the game being pushed into Super Over. Chris Morris seems to be fit and is expected to replace Isuru Udana in the playing XI

RR might look to replace Robin Uthappa in the playing XI. The senior batsman is yet to prove his worth with the bat and has also been a little sloppy in the field.

Match prediction –

RCB hold an upper hand over their counterparts. Their form and the fact that the match will be not be played in Sharjah are the reasons behind the Kohli-led side being the favourite. Royal Challengers Bangalore are expected to defeat Rajasthan Royals.