What Is The Cricket Match Today? Expected Changes, Winner Prediction

image-lhufxkxoPunjab Players celebrating a wicket (AP Photo)

The IPL caravan has reached a critical stage now and on Friday, 18th of May, Punjab Kings (PBKS) will go head-to-head against Rajasthan Royals (RR). Both teams need to win this game to keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive and a win by big margin is what they would be looking for. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST and let's see how things pan out in this crucial 66th game of IPL 2023.

What is the Venue of the PBKS vs RR Game?

The Venue of this PBKS vs RR game is the beautiful HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. Both teams met earlier in the season at Guwahati and Punjab Kings managed to outclass RR in that game. They would be looking to do the same on a ground that has a history of producing high-scoring encounters. Both teams have power-hitters in their line-up and we might be in for another run-feast as Kings fight it out against the Royals.

What are the expected changes in the playing XI of PBKS vs RR?

PBKS have been chopping and changing a lot in this season. In the last game at this venue, they went with two overseas bowlers and still gave away 215 runs. However, we might see them going with the same strategy as their batters have consistently scored runs and it is their bowling that need to execute better.

Expected Playing XI of PBKS

Shikhar Dhawan (C), Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada.

Impact Player - Prabhsimran Singh (He will come into XI when PBKS bat)

What are the expected changes in the playing XI of RR vs PBKS?

Rajasthan Royals have made some surprising changes in their XI this season. Trent Boult did not play in the last game due to a possible niggle and he is expected to be back in XI in place of Adam Zampa. Rest of the squad is likely to remain same.

Expected Playing XI of RR

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (WK/C), Joe Root, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact Player - Devdutt Padikkal ( He will come into XI when RR bats)

Winner Prediction

Both teams have quality players but Rajasthan Royals have good swing bowlers and they might make a difference in the Powerplay, so expect RR to win this one.