IPL 2020: KXIP vs RCB Game Plan 2 – The AB factor in Death Overs

KXIP vs RCB – The sixth match of the IPL 2020 tournament between the teams, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore, could all be about match-ups. We take a look at a key game plan that could play a role in the sixth game of the IPL – KXIP vs RCB KXIP vs RCB […]
 
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IPL 2020: KXIP vs RCB Game Plan 2 – The AB factor in Death Overs

KXIP vs RCB – The sixth match of the IPL 2020 tournament between the teams, Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore, could all be about match-ups. We take a look at a key game plan that could play a role in the sixth game of the IPL –  KXIP vs RCB

KXIP vs RCB – The AB de Villiers death threat

KXIP are a team RCB absolutely dominate in death overs with the bat. The Punjab-based franchise has been guilty of leaking too many runs in death overs in the last couple of seasons. Conceding 10.45 runs per over in the last five overs, KXIP are the second most expensive side in overs 16-20 since 2018. There is a change in personnel this season but the cause of concern is that they still lack proper death bowlers. Chris Jordan and Sheldon Cottrell leaked 57 runs in the last 3 overs in the first game. Mohammad Shami has an economy of 10.10 in death overs since 2018.

How have RCB batted in death overs against KXIP?

RCB have scored 2.6 runs per over more against KXIP than they have scored against any others in death overs since 2018. Moreover, they have scored a massive 89 runs per wicket against KXIP, as compared to just 21 against others. These numbers clearly show how dominant RCB have been in death overs. The fact that they have not been able to get enough wickets in death overs is a big cause of concern, because RCB are a team who usually are overdependent on Kohli and AB de Villiers.

IPL 2020: KXIP vs RCB Game Plan 2 – The AB factor in Death Overs

None of the current KXIP bowlers have been able to dismiss AB since 2017. The former South African skipper has particularly been berserk against Mujeeb and Shami, scoring at 200-plus strike rates against both.

IPL 2020: KXIP vs RCB Game Plan 2 – The AB factor in Death Overs

KXIP vs RCB Game Plan 2 – The AB de Villiers threat

In the last 3 years, AB de Villiers has scored 298 runs in death at a strike rate of 240.32. The rate goes further up against KXIP as he scores at an incredible strike rate of 281.13 and has got out only once in 53 balls. 

KXIP struggled in the last five overs against Delhi Capitals, conceding 64 runs in the last five overs. But most of that was down to a 30-run final over by Chris Jordan and 43 in the two overs of the England seamer.

ALSO READ: KXIP VS RCB – KOHLI VS SPIN

For RCB, the key to success will be making sure AB stays till the death overs and for KXIP, the wrist spinner Ravi Bishnoi will be tasked with the responsibility of getting the big fish.