Arshdeep Singh was the star performer for PBKS in their last game against MI. (Twitter)
Another riveting encounter awaits as Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) gear up to face each other in a reverse fixture of the IPL 2023, set to take place at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. PBKS had emerged victorious in their previous encounter against MI, held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Team Preview: Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings initiated their season on a victorious note, clinching a win against KKR in their opening game at home. However, they faced a trifecta of defeats in their subsequent matches at Mohali, making this upcoming game all the more crucial in their quest to secure a spot in the playoffs. The batting department is spearheaded by the dynamic opening duo of Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh, who can potentially provide Punjab with a flying start once again.
The middle order, bolstered by the likes of Atharva Taide and Liam Livingstone, assumes a pivotal role in consolidating their position. Jitesh Sharma's recent form renders him a dependable finisher, amplifying the team's chances of success.
The bowling attack will rely heavily on the skillful duo of Arshdeep Singh and Sam Curran, who must deliver a top-notch performance. Despite Kagiso Rabada's recent lackluster performance, it is imperative not to replace him with Nathan Ellis. Leg spinner Rahul Chahar is expected to assume the role of PBKS's talisman, striving to secure a breakthrough in the middle overs.
Team Preview: Mumbai Indians (MI)
With 8 points in their kitty from 8 matches, the Mumbai Indians are in dire need of a win to stay afloat in the playoff race. A triumph in this game can propel them to the 5th or 6th position in the points table, contingent on their Net Run Rate (NRR).
Their recent win over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) has instilled a surge of confidence in the team, fortifying their spirits for the impending game. However, the MI bowlers have been a major cause for concern, failing to claim wickets during the powerplay overs and leaking runs towards the end.
The onus has thus shifted to the batters, who have displayed remarkable performances thus far to keep the team afloat. Suryakumar Yadav's resurgence in form has been a welcome sign for the Mumbai-based team. The team will be hoping for a more substantial contribution from their openers in the upcoming game against PBKS.
Match Details
Date & Time: Wednesday, May 3, 7:30 PM IST
Venue - Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Telecast & Streaming Details: JioCinema and Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: Mohali has established itself as a veritable haven for batters, where they have consistently amassed mammoth totals. The almost uniform tracks in Mohali have made it an idyllic setting for batters, who have found it relatively effortless to score runs. Moreover, the surface offers some leverage to fast bowlers, particularly during the initial overs of the match, with some swing and bounce. Spin bowlers too receive a modicum of help in the early stages of the game. However, as the match progresses, the onus shifts to the batters to accumulate runs. The average score registered here hovers around the 170 mark, and the team batting second is more likely to clinch victory.
Probable Playing XIs
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Atharva Taide, Shikhar Dhawan (c), Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Impact Players - Prabhsimran Singh, Matthew Short, Rishi Dhawan, Shivam Singh, Harpreet Singh
Mumbai Indians (MI): Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Jofra Archer, Piyush Chawla, Kumar Kartikeya, Riley Meredith, Arshad Khan
Impact Players - Nehal Wadhera, Arjun Tendulkar, Ramandeep Singh, Vishnu Vinod, Hrithik Shokeen
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-keepers: Jitesh Sharma
Batters: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shikhar Dhawan, Tilak Varma
All-rounders: Liam Livingstone, Sikander Raza, Cameron Green
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Piyush Chawla, Rahul Chahar
Captain: Cameron Green
Vice-captain: Liam Livingstone
Prediction
Anticipation mounts as two formidable teams take the field, poised for a closely contested match. Their comparable strengths and issues make it a challenging task to prognosticate a clear winner. As the game progresses, the outcome of the toss could prove to be pivotal, particularly if the pitch's pace slackens. Despite the PBKS' recent bouts of extravagance, it is widely held that their unmatched bowling prowess will grant them a slight edge over Mumbai Indians.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
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