PBKS players celebrate a wicket against LSG (IPLT20.COM)
The Punjab Kings snapped their two-game losing streak by upstaging the Lucknow Super Kings in their previous IPL 2023 fixture.
In a complete team effort, pacers Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh restricted the Super Giants to a modest total, before Sikandar Raza’s anchoring act and Shahrukh Khan’s finishing blitz aced the chase for the Kings.
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They will now aim to pile on their newfound momentum when they take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at home in match number 27 of the tournament.
Ahead of the much-awaited contest, here at OneCricket we predict Punjab Kings strongest starting XI, along with five impact players.
Openers
Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh
Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan is expected to make a return to the playing XI after missing out on previous game due to an untimely injury. The opener has minted 233 runs across four innings at an average of 116.67, the highest among all batters with more than 200 runs this season.
His opening partner Prabhsimran Singh, despite failing in his last three outings, is likely to get another crack at the top of the order. The uncapped cricketer struck rapid 23 and 60 to headline Punjab Kings victory in their first two games before losing his way with the bat.
Middle Order
Matthew Short
Young Australian batter Matthew Short is fresh off scoring crucial 30s for his side in their last two innings. Moreover, his 34 against the Super Giants turned out to be a decisive factor for Shahrukh Khan to launch his six-hitting spree in the death overs.
Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma is set to continue his wicketkeeping role for the side. A dangerous striker in the middle overs, the cricketer has clubbed three crucial 20s this tournament, and will be aiming to register a few notable innings to his name within the coming weeks.
Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwean import Sikandar Raza headlined Punjab Kings win over the LSG with a sublime 57 amidst a tense run-chase. The all-rounder also contributed with the ball, by trapping Deepak Hooda in front of stumps earlier in the game.
Sam Curran
Sam Curran led PBKS in Dhawan's absence (IPLT20.COM)
Punjab Kings’ multi-million-dollar all-rounder Sam Curran is yet to make a notable impact with the bat this season. The Englishman, however, unleashed a match-winning spell against Super Giants to cap a remarkable captaincy debut.
If Dhawan’s injury continues to elude from the playing XI, one can expect Curran to don the leadership hat once again.
Shahrukh Khan
Death-overs barbarian Shahrukh Khan faced just 10 deliveries to unfurl the defining innings of the match against LSG. He clubbed 23* and struck the winning runs in the final over against a charged-up Ravi Bishnoi.
Harpreet Brar
Harpreet Brar’s all-round versatility has been put to good use for the franchise in the last two seasons. While he is yet to receive a full-fledged opportunity with the bat this time around, the left-arm spinner has picked up crucial breakthroughs for his team.
Bowlers
Rahul Chahar
Punjab Kings ace spinner Rahul Chahar has picked just two wickets this season. However, the 23-year-old has managed to keep a lid on oppositions scoring rate in each of the five games he has turned up.
Kagiso Rabada
South African speed gun Kagiso Rabada was Punjab Kings’ most successful bowler of the previous edition with 23 scalps. So far, he has claimed three wickets in the two matches he has played this time around.
Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep appeals for a wicket against LSG (IPLT20.COM)
Arshdeep Singh is currently one of the leading wicket-takers of the ongoing season with eight scalps. The young fast bowler is known for hurling accurate yorkers in the death overs.
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