APL 2022 | Eliminator | R-Kings vs UTL | Preview, Prediction, Probable XI and CREX XI

The inaugural edition of the Andhra Premier League (APL) nears its conclusion as we move towards the tournament's knockout stage. 

Four best teams out of six have qualified for the playoffs and are set to battle it out to lift the trophy. 

In the first game of the knockouts, Rayalaseema Kings will cross swords with Uttarandhra Lions in the eliminator today. 

Both teams secured their playoff berths by registering clinical victories in their last group-stage encounters. While Rayalaseema defeated Vizag Warriors by seven wickets, Uttarandhra Lions pipped Godavari Titans in a low-scoring thriller. 

Match details:

Match: Rayalaseema Kings vs Uttarandhra Lions, Eliminator 

Venue: Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA – VDCA Cricket Stadium, Vishakhapatnam 

Date and Time: July 15 at 01 PM IST & local time

Live streaming: FanCode app and website, Star Sports 1 Telugu

Pitch report:

The average scoring rate at the venue is found to be 7.73 runs per over. This suggests that the surface has favoured the bowlers slightly more than the batters. 

Teams bowling first have emerged triumphant in eight matches, which is why the toss-winner of today's game will most likely opt to field first. 

Key players:

• Srikar Bharat has been the most prolific batter for Uttarandhra Lions, with 130 runs at a splendid average of 43.33 and a brilliant strike rate of 152.94. 

• Prasanth Kumar has been the top scorer for Rayalaseema Kings with 113 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 161.42. 

• Shoaib Mohammed Khan is in a marvellous touch with the ball for the Lions as the off-spinner has picked eight wickets at a surreal strike rate of 9.75. 

• B Santosh Kumar has been the best bowler from the Kings' side, with seven wickets at a superb strike rate of 9.42. 

Probable XI:

As both teams won their last games without breaking a sweat, they will likely field the same XI in the eliminator. 

Rayalaseema Kings probable XI: Abhishek Reddy, DB Prasanth Kumar, Shaik Rasheed, Thanneru Vamsi Krishna, B Vinay Kumar, B Sudhakar, Girinath Reddy (c), B Santosh Kumar, K Prudhvi Raj, Gontu Reddy, Jagarlapudi Ram

Uttarandhra Lions probable XI: Gutta Rohit, Srikar Bharat (c&wk), Gulfaam Saleh, Kothakoona Lakshman, C Kranthi Kumar, Shoaib Mohammed Khan, Vijaya Sai Koushik, U Ahitesh Viswanadha Varma, Mohammad Rafi, K Ajay Kumar, Y Pramod 

CREX XI: Srikar Bharat (wk), DB Prasanth Kumar, Abhishek Reddy, Kothakoona Lakshman, C Kranthi Kumar, Shoaib Mohammed Khan, Girinath Reddy, U Ahitesh Viswanadha Varma, Y Pramod, B Santosh Kumar, Jagarlapudi Ram

Captain: Srikar Bharat 

Vice-captain: Shoaib Mohammed Khan

Prediction: Uttarandhra Lions edged past Rayalaseema Kings the last time these two teams faced each other. Considering the form of their key players and the leadership of KS Bharat, we can bet on the Lions' victory today.   

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