Ajinkya Rahane vs Mohammed Shami: The battle between Ajinkya Rahane and Mohammed Shami looks one-sided on paper, but right now it feels very different.
Rahane has dominated this matchup before. He has scored 99 runs off around 59 balls and has never been out to Shami. Strike rate around 168. That means he has handled him easily and even scored quickly.
But his current form is a big concern. He has 152 runs in 7 matches. Average just over 25. He started well with a 67, but after that things have dropped. He even got back-to-back ducks recently. Overall, he has struggled to get going in most games.
Shami, on the other hand, is doing his job well this season. He has been strong in the powerplay. He already has 6 wickets in that phase, among the top in the league. He is known for striking early, even on the first ball of an innings multiple times in IPL history.
In the spotlight: Ajinkya Rahane vs Mohammed Shami
This match is at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. The pitch there has been slow and a bit tricky. Scores are not very high. The ball can move early and also grip later. That suits bowlers like Shami.
So this clash could be decided very early. Rahane will likely open, and Shami will take the new ball. They will face each other in the first over itself.
If Shami gets him early, it hurts Kolkata Knight Riders badly. Rahane is the captain and key batter. Losing him quickly puts pressure on the rest.
But if Rahane survives, his past record shows he can handle Shami. He could then build the innings and give KKR a solid start.
LSG vs KKR Preview: Both Teams Under Pressure in Lucknow
The match between Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders comes at a tricky time for both sides.
LSG have not been consistent. They have lost four games already and are under pressure. They need a strong performance to stay in the race for top four.
KKR’s situation is also interesting. They finally got their first win after six matches without one. That win could give them some belief. Another win here could change their whole season.
The game is at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. The pitch there has not been easy for batters. It’s a black soil surface and tends to be slow and two-paced. Bowlers have enjoyed more success here.
The average first innings score is under 160, so big totals are rare. Because of that, teams may prefer chasing after winning the toss.
Looking at past meetings, LSG have had the edge. They have won 5 out of 7 games against KKR. They also won earlier this season when the two sides met.
FAQs
Q. Who has the better record in Rahane vs Shami?
A. Ajinkya Rahane has scored 99 runs off around 59 balls and has never been out to Mohammed Shami.
Q. What is Ajinkya Rahane’s form this season?
A. He has 152 runs in 7 matches and is struggling, including back-to-back ducks.
Q. How is Mohammed Shami performing this season?
A. He is strong in the powerplay with 6 wickets and often takes early breakthroughs.
Q. How does the pitch affect this contest?
A. At Ekana Cricket Stadium, the slow pitch helps bowlers like Shami early on.
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