IPL 2023, PBKS vs RCB: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
Punjab Kings won their last game against LSG [Source: AP]
On Thursday, eighth-placed Royal Challengers Bangalore will cross swords against fifth-placed Punjab Kings in the 27th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. Considering both teams have some T20 superstars in their squad, we expect a high-voltage face-off at the iconic PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
Team Preview: Punjab Kings
Shikhar Dhawan is in sublime touch [Source: AP]
Led by Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab Kings had a fabulous start to their IPL 2023 campaign, recording fighting victories in their first two games against Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. However, after that, they surrendered to Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans, who crushed them by eight and five wickets, respectively.
But they were quick to bounce back, handing Lucknow Super Giants a narrow two-wicket defeat in their fifth group-stage face-off.
While Shikhar Dhawan has led from the front with the bat, the bowlers have punched above their weight to ensure the Kings' success this season. A fearless approach is evident from their batting unit; however, the Kings management would like consistency from its core players.
Team Preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore
Faf du Plessis has led RCB from the front [Source: AP]
On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore have had a topsy-turvy IPL 2023 campaign so far. After securing a thumping eight-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians, RCB succumbed to two demoralising defeats to KKR and LSG.
Although they showcased their prowess on the bottom-sitters Delhi Capitals, the Faf du Plessis-led outfit suffered another defeat going forward, this time from Chennai Super Kings.
While Virat Kohli, Du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell have scored a major chunk of their runs, Mohammed Siraj has been the lone warrior for RCB with the ball, with his colleagues being wayward, especially in the death overs. So, there are plenty of grey areas, which RCB must address in order to get the better of the in-form Punjab Kings.
Match Details
Date & Time: April 20, 03.30 PM IST
Venue: PCA IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The surface in Mohali generally favours batters, with a hint of turn on it for the spinners. The new-ball bowlers might get some swing, but as the pitch will be a belter for batting, the toss-winner will likely field first.
Probable Playing XIs
Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Matthew Short, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sikandar Raza, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar
Impact Players: Harpreet Singh, Atharva Taide, Rishi Dhawan, Nathan Ellis, Mohit Rathee
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Suyash Prabhudessai, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Harshal Patel, Wayne Parnell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammed Siraj, Vyshak Vijay Kumar
Impact Players: Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, David Willey
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Jitesh Sharma
Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Matthew Short
All-Rounders: Sam Curran, Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Rahul Chahar
Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
Vice Captain: Kagiso Rabada/Faf du Plessis
Prediction
Punjab Kings look more balanced as a unit and will have the home advantage, which is why we expect them to emerge victorious in this match.
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