The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mohali is set to witness a thrilling encounter today as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) lock horns with the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Both teams, hungry for victory after recent setbacks, will be eager to make their mark on the tournament.
Read more:- IPL 2024: RR vs. GT – Match Updates and Playing XI
PBKS vs RR Match Updates
The fast bowlers have got a lot of help on this new ground of Punjab. In the two matches played so far, fast bowlers have got 23 wickets, while the spinners have managed to take only 4 wickets on this ground. In such a situation, both the teams will be eyeing to increase their pace battery. There have been mixed results on this ground.
Punjab won the first match by 4 wickets while chasing, while in the second match, Sunrisers Hyderabad defended the target. Talking about the points table, Rajasthan Royals are on top with 8 points, today they will be eyeing to reach double digits. Whereas Punjab Kings, which has lost three out of five matches, is at 8th position. If Punjab wins the match today then it can surpass Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.
PBKS – Aiming to Bounce Back
The Punjab Kings, under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, have had a mixed season so far. They boast a powerful batting lineup featuring the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma. Their bowling, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Harshal Patel, will need to step up against a formidable RR batting order.
PBKS Predicted Playing XI
1. Shikhar Dhawan (c)
2. Jonny Bairstow
3. Prabhsimran Singh
4. Liam Livingstone
5. Jitesh Sharma (wk)
6. Shashank Singh
7. Sam Curran
8. Harpreet Brar
9. Kagiso Rabada
10.Harshal Patel
11. Arshdeep Singh
Read more:- MI vs RCB
RR – Seeking Consistency
The Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, began their campaign strongly but have recently faltered. Their batting firepower includes Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shimron Hetmyer. Their bowling unit, featuring Trent Boult and Yuzvendra Chahal, will be crucial in restricting the free-flowing PBKS batters.
RR Predicted Playing XI
1. Jos Buttler
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Sanju Samson (c & wk)
4. Riyan Parag
5. Shimron Hetmyer
6. Dhruv Jurel
7. R Ashwin
8. Trent Boult
9. Yuzvendra Chahal
10.Avesh Khan
11.Kuldeep Sen
Main Players to Watch Today’s Match
1. Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS): The PBKS skipper will be keen to lead from the front with a significant innings.
2. Jos Buttler (RR): The explosive English opener can single-handedly change the course of a match.
3. Kagiso Rabada (PBKS): The South African pace spearhead will aim to dismantle the RR top order.
4. Yuzvendra Chahal (RR): The wily leg-spinner's variations will be key in the middle overs.
Read more:- RR vs. GT – Match Updates and Playing XI
Prediction
This promises to be a closely contested match. Punjab Kings have the home-ground advantage, but Rajasthan Royals possess the experience and balance to counter them. Expect a high-scoring thriller with the result potentially going down to the wire.
How to Watch PBKS vs RR Match
The PBKS vs RR match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioCinema.