Sunday 29 April 2018 14:56, UK
Here's what's in store in the Indian Premier League today...
It is another double-header in the Indian Premier League as Rajasthan Royals, lurking just outside the play-off places, take on second-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad before Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore face Kolkata Knight Riders.
Rajasthan enjoyed a thrilling three-wicket victory over holders Mumbai Indians in their last outing. Having required 42 from the final three overs, Knishnappa Gowtham hit an exceptional 33 off 11 deliveries to steer his side home with two balls to spare.
Meanwhile, Sunrisers showcased their abilities to defend low totals twice in three days as they followed up their emphatic 33-run win over Mumbai - having skittled the Indians for 87 after being bowled out themselves for only 118 - by restricting Kings XI Punjab to 119 all out as they chased 133.
Elsewhere, struggling sides RCB and KKR both came up short in their previous matches. The Royal Challengers had looked on course to record just their third win of the campaign but an inspired performance from Mahendra Singh Dhoni saw table-topping Chennai Super Kings cruise to their target of 206 with four balls to spare. And Dinesh Karthik's Knight Riders could only muster 164-9 in their pursuit of 220 against Delhi Daredevils as their mixed form continued.
All-rounder Gowtham produced his first knock of note in the competition in the last round, striking two fours and four sixes in his match-winning innings. Young wicketkeeper-opener Ishan Kishan has been a bright spark for the struggling Mumbai Indians, despite being out for a duck on two occasions, he has shown glimpses of his ability with knocks of 44 and 58.
Although Shivam Mavi finished with figures of 1-58 from his four overs in his previous game, the Indian U19-winning all-rounder is much vaunted in India and will hope to showcase his talents as the IPL goes on. And Yuzvendra Chalal has, unsurprisingly, been the pick of the spinners for RCB, picking up seven wickets thus far with his legbreaks.
Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, who have played in every match for the Royals so far, will undoubtedly be in the line-up and are likely to be joined by Jofra Archer - who will qualify to play for England in 2022 and shone on debut, taking 3-22.
All-rounder Chris Woakes remains a pivotal part of the bowling line-up for RCB and Moeen Ali, who is yet to play a game in the IPL this season, may well be handed his first start. Bowler Tom Curran will also be hoping to add to his four matches for Kolkata so far,
James Franklin and Tymal Mills will be in the studio alongside Matt Floyd for the weekend's double-header for big matches at the top and bottom of the table.
Sky Sports will continue to show every IPL game live, so fans from all over can enjoy the best of Indian cricket.
