It could be the most fascinating face-off of this IPL yet — Chris Gayle versus Dale Steyn.
A battle royal is on the cards on Sunday, between the world’s number one hard-hitter and the world’s fastest bowler. The gangling swashbuckler, Gayle comes face to face with the fiery Steyn in the Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Sunrisers Hyderabad match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Coming as the duo are into the tie with spectacular performances in their previous matches, Gayle will look to renew his duel with Steyn. The last time the two gladiators met, during the defunct Deccan Chargers’ clash against RCB at the same venue, Steyn had scored over Gayle. The South African had taken the wind out of the West Indian’s sails in one super over.
He believes that Gayle could struggle if the match is played on a wicket similar to the one used two days ago.
On the other hand, Gayle would like to erase that horrible memory, from his last duel with Steyn, in the opponent’s den. Both are match-winners in their own rights. Gayle can destroy any attack with his rampaging willow while Steyn has the ability to blow away any side with his incisive spells.
As Sunrisers successfully defended a small target of 126, it was a collective effort by the bowlers that saw the hosts post their first win. If Steyn polished off the tail, Thisara Perera and leg-spinner Amit Mishra were instrumental in wrecking the top-order. However, it is the batting that needs to be addressed by the think-tank.
RCB, too, have their own batting woes. It was Gayle who took them out of a tight situation against Mumbai Indians.