Royals face Otago challenge

Having sealed their place in the semifinals, Rajasthan Royals would look to grab the top spot in the table when they square off against Otago Volts in their final Group match of the Champions League Twenty20, here on Tuesday.

By finishing atop the table Royals will not only avoid playing rampaging Chennai Super Kings in the semifinals but also they will get to play their last-four stage match at home, where they have an incredible 11-match winning streak.

Stakes are much higher for the Kiwi side as a win would ensure their passage in the last-four stage. They are currently placed second in the group with 12 points from three matches and could knock out IPL champions Mumbai Indians if they win here.

The match between the Volts and Mumbai was washed away putting the reigning IPL champions in quandary. Mumbai have six points from three matches and are likely to win their last match against Perth Scorchers at Delhi on Wednesday. If Otago lose against Rajasthan Royals and Mumabi win, the two sides’ fate would depend on Net run-rate. Jaipur pitch suits the Otago’s style of play. They have strong batting line up and Neil Broom’s magnificent unbeaten 117 off just 56 balls is a big testimony to that.

Skipper Brendon McCullum would also like to make amends for his cheap dismissal in the match, where he could not even open his account. Their bowling too looks good the Jaipur fans can hope for another keen tussle.