The 38th match of the third edition of the Indian Premier League will see a semi-finalist aspirant in Rajasthan Royals take on the almost knocked-out Kings XI Punjab at Jaipur.

After much brouhaha over the expulsion of the cheer-girls after been deemed anti-cultural, and a ban on liquour, there was a turnaround by the authorities and the backend machinations finally seemed to have worked. Now, one can concentrate back on cricket, and the Royals will understand that they will need to continue with their momentum that was derived from the win over Deccan Chargers if they need to qualify for the semi-finals, going into the game at 4/5 (Blue Square) to win it. Punjab may have the remotest of chances of getting there, but for now, they will love their role of party-poopers; at 11/10 (Coral) to beat Rajasthan.

Rajasthan has definitely been bolstered by the presence of Shane Watson (11/4 at Blue Square to top-score for the Royals), who has smacked two successive half centuries in double-quick time. Michael Lumb (4/1 at Ladbrokes to be the best batsman of his side in this game) seems to have been off-colour for a game or two, but Warne will know better than to change him around at such a crucial stage in the tournament, while Naman Ojha (4/1 at Blue Square to top-score for Royals) continues to impress at the top of the order.

However, from Rajasthan’s point of view, it is Yusuf Pathan (9/2 at 888Sport to top-score for Royals) who continues to remain the match-winner. Despite two failures where he hasn’t been allowed to get going, Warne will back Pathan to deliver the goods, especially given that much of the pressure in the middle order has been taken off by the presence of Watson.

The Punjab side would have been pleasantly surprised by the century that Mahela Jayawardene (7/2 at Boylesports to be the best batsman) knocked off in the previous game. This gives them selection headaches for the Rajasthan game, given that Jayawardene was a replacement for the injured Shaun Marsh (3/1 at Blue Square to be Punjab’s best batsman). If Marsh is fit, then, one gets the sense that Ravi Bopara (5/1 at Ladbrokes to top-score for Punjab) will miss out from today’s game.

However, the one batsman who looked to be getting back into his own in that game against Kolkata, was Yuvraj Singh (9/2 at Sky Bet to top-score for Punjab in this game). Will he be able to turn the corner in this game is the question, and I certainly back him to do so.

Tips:
Favourites: Rajasthan Royals (4/5 at Blue Square)
Top Rajasthan batsman: Yusuf Pathan (9/2 at 888Sport)
Top Punjab batsman: Yuvraj Singh (9/2 at Sky Bet)