Jaipur, Apr 7: After a rollicking start to their IPL V campaign, Rajasthan Royals will look to continue the winning momentum when they face Kolkata Knight Riders, who would be equally keen to bounce back from a humiliating defeat in their opening match against Delhi Daredevils, here tomorrow.
Led by the recently-retired Rahul Dravid, Rajasthan beat Kings XI Punjab by 31 runs last night and the former India skipper would hope that his boys would come up with an equally good performance tomorrow.
Kolkata Knight Riders too would be eager to put their humiliating eight-wicket defeat behind them when they start in the day match tomorrow to be played in the scorching heat at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here.
The Royals were impressive against Kings XI and Kevon Cooper was the find of the match.
The little-known Caribbean cricketer impressed with his allround capabilities by adding 11 runs off three balls and then bowling with guile to grab four for 26 apart from displaying his agility on the field.
The batting for the hosts looked solid with Rahul Dravid playing his role as a motivator and sheet anchor to help Ajinkya Rahane play a brisk 98 run innings.
Though the exuberant Ashok Menaria failed to read a wrong one from Piyush Chawla, other batsmen including, Brad Hodge, Owais Shah and Kevon Cooper, accelerated according to the need of the hour.
The bowling department too looked in good touch as they took advantage of the wicket. Cooper was especially outstanding as he learnt fast to mix his slower ones according to the pace of the wicket.
The 23-year-old lad from Trinidad has demonstrated that he is a quick learner and might be a vital cog in Rajasthan Royals' campaign.
Amit Singh and Siddharth Trivedi have shouldered the responsibility of the pace unit in the first match and the hosts might also bring quickie Shaun Tait to spearhead the attack tomorrow.
