Royal Challengers Bangalore host Chennai Super Kings in the second of two Indian Premier League (IPL) games today, with Bangalore desperately needing a win to keep alive the chance of qualifying for the play-offs.

Bangalore v Chennai
IPL

Where to Watch Live

The match starts at 3.30pm BST, with ITV 4 and ITV 4 HD providing live coverage in the UK. Follow the game live, via text commentary, on ESPN Cricinfo. Watch highlights here.

Overview

Bangalore looked certain to qualify for the knock-out stage a few weeks ago but five defeats in the last seven matches have seen them slip out of the top four, to fifth. Virat Kohli's men now have to beat two-time champions Chennai and hope IPL 2013 debutants Sunrisers Hyderabad lose, at home, against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, in order to progress.

The hosts for this game were unbeaten at home, going into Tuesday's tie against Kings XI Punjab. Unfortunately for Bangalore fans, Adam Gilchrist's superb 85 from 54 balls, overshadowing Chris Gayle's 77 from 53 balls, led to a first home defeat of the season.

Those fans will feel a little better, though, when they realise Chennai are not the best travelling side. MS Dhoni's men share first place with Mumbai Indians (trailing by a marginally lower Net Run Rate) but two of their four defeats so far this season have come on the road, including the last one: against Rajasthan Royals.

Nevertheless, the Super Kings, who are assured of a top two finish and the chance to avoid an extra knock-out fixture, remain a formidable foe. Stephen Fleming's men beat Delhi Daredevils by 33 runs on Wednesday. Dhoni produced his trademark big hits to hit 58 from 35 balls and post 168/4. Then Albie Morkel (3/32), Dwayne Bravo and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/19) and Mohit Sharma (2/22) starred with the ball to earn the win.

The reverse fixture in Chennai last month saw one of the most thrilling and dramatic finishes in IPL history. Needing two runs to win from the last ball, Super Kings batsman Ravindra Jadeja was caught at third man but RP Singh overstepped on that delivery, giving Chennai the win.

Team Form

Royal Challengers Bangalore

  • Last Five Games (most recent first): L L W L W
  • Last Match: Royal Challengers Bangalore lost to Kings XI Punjab by seven wickets

Chennai Super Kings

  • Last Five Games (most recent first): W L W L W
  • Last Match: Chennai Super Kings beat Delhi Daredevils by 33 runs

Team News

Royal Challengers Bangalore: The hosts have a full squad available, with the exception of long-term absentee Sreenath Aravind.

Chennai Super Kings: Political reasons prevent Chennai from playing Sri Lankan duo Nuwan Kulasekara and Akila Dananjaya. Otherwise, Fleming has his full set of players to choose from but could rest some of his key men ahead of the play-offs.