After wriggling out of a tight spot in the league phase of the Champions League, Bangalore Royal Challengers face another do-or-die game on Saturday. But the degree of difficulty is higher this time on two counts — this happens to be a Super 8 game and their opponents, Delhi Daredevils, are a star-studded team.

With stakes high, the stage is set for a high-pressure game on Diwali day with the locals expecting fireworks from their unpredictable team. Just like in the two seasons of the Indian Premier League, Royal Challengers’s fickle form has been evident in the Champions Trophy too. The team that reached the IPL final of Season 2 after their last-place finish in the inaugural year has stuck to their inconsistency. In the Champions League, within days of recording a convincing 80-run win, they suffered the humiliation of a seven-wicket loss in their last game.

The contrast is evident as one takes a look at their rival camp. Delhi Daredevils, who will also be desperate for a win, have been the most consistent IPL team with successive semi-final appearances in the last two years. Interestingly, the Delhi side too has lost to Victoria in the league phase. With a strong team full of big names and a healthy bench-strength, Daredevils are the favourites. But the unpredictable Royal Challengers can never be written off.

The biggest worry for the home team is the question mark over their most reliable player, Jacques Kallis. The South African all-rounder missed a match due to a side strain and later missed a training session on the eve of the crucial game.

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