Run, runs and more runs should be the order of day in Rajkot when Gujarat Lions face Kings XI Punjab. The fact that both teams have some brilliant hitters could make Sunday's game an entertaining affair.
When it comes to the points' table, Gujarat Lions are languishing at the bottom, while Kings XI Punjab arein sixth position. Though both teams have same points, Kings XI Punjab enjoy a better net run rate.
Both teams are batting-heavy sides. The bowling units are a cause for concern for GL and Kings XI. Agreed, T20 format is a batsman's game, but then the bowlers also need to deliver for a team to win.
The Gujarat Lions bowlers including Praveen Kumar have not been impressive in IPL 2017. The same can be said for KXIP, who looked good in the first two matches. Their bowlers have been below par in the last four matches. Maxwell has tried various bowlers to no avail.
This match could be decided by bowlers, who need to be on the top of their game.
Though bowling has been a problem, GL and KXIP batsmen are having a great season.One would not be surprised if the team, winning the toss, will prefer to chase, knowing their batting line-ups.
GL's Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch, Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik have looked in good form with the bat. The New Zealander has been providing them flying starts so far.
The same will be expected against KXIP too. However, they will also need some good contribution from the lower-order including Ishan Kishan and James Faulkner.
The KXIP batting will majorly depend on Hashim Amla, who has looked in silky touch throughout IPL 2017. Besides the South African, Mannan Vohra has scored runs for the team. Though the middle order has not been going strong, Maxwell with his big-hitting ability could play an integral role with the bat.
Gujarat Lions vs KIngs XI Punjab IPL 2017 match is set to begin at 4 pm IST (11.30 am BST). TV and live streaming information below.
India: TV: Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD, Sony Max. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
UK: TV: Sky Sports Mix. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Online.
Middle East: TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD. Live Streaming: OSN Play.
South Africa: TV: SuperSport. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
Afghanistan: TV: Lemar TV
Bangladesh: TV: Bong BD.
Hong Kong: TV: Now TV.
International: Live Streaming: Cricketgateway.