PBKS vs RCB IPL 2023 Match Preview

(Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Punjab Kings Look to Tackle Batting Woes Against RCB's High-Flying Kohli & Co. in Mohali Showdown 

PBKS - The Punjab Kings are set to play their third home game in Mohali, after winning their first two matches but losing two out of their next three. Although they currently sit at number 5 on the points table, their batting has not been performing well. In their last two matches, they were only able to score 153-8 and 143-9 when batting first. The latter score was only possible thanks to a solid performance from Dhawan, who scored an unbeaten 99. Prabhsimran Singh's poor form is also a cause for concern for the home team, while Matthew Short has been performing well at number 3.

Since no other batters have been consistent, the Punjab Kings will rely on Short to stay on the crease for a longer period and play a big innings. Sikandar Raza is another good option in the middle order, and he is expected to replace Rajapaksa in the lineup. The team also boasts reliable pacers in the form of Sam Curran, Arshdeep Singh, and Rabada, who are expected to deliver timely breakthroughs.

In summary, although the Punjab Kings have had a mixed start to the season, they are still in a decent position in the points table. However, their batting needs to improve if they want to continue winning matches, and they will be relying on Short and Raza to step up in the upcoming game. Their bowling lineup is strong, with Curran, Singh, and Rabada all expected to perform well.

RCB - Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered their second home loss of the season in their last match against CSK, despite scoring 200+ runs. The high-scoring venues can be blamed for such games where the bowlers struggle and it all comes down to the big-hitting abilities of the batsmen. However, the upcoming match in Mohali promises to be a more competitive game between bat and ball.

Players like Hasaranga and Maxwell are expected to perform well on the Mohali surface. Maxwell, who has played plenty of cricket on this ground for Punjab Kings in the past, is in great form and looks confident of clearing the boundary. He will be a key player for RCB in this match. Virat Kohli has also been exceptional this season, and the RCB openers are in sublime form, which bodes well for the team's start.

However, RCB needs to be wary of their over-reliance on Kohli and their top-order batsmen. If Rabada and Curran can dismiss Kohli and Faf du Plessis early in the innings, RCB could find themselves in trouble. Despite his failure in the last match, Wayne Parnell remains a good all-round option for RCB, and they should stick with him in the upcoming match.

Venue pitch status

The pitch at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium is known to be well-balanced, offering some movement for bowlers with the new ball. Slower deliveries are expected to be effective on this surface, making spinners crucial to the team's strategy.

Punjab Kings won their first home fixture by defending 191 against Kolkata Knight Riders (via DLS), but suffered a defeat against Gujarat Titans in their second game.

        Post TOSS

• The side winning the toss will opt to Field first.

Average 1st Inning score 

Average 1st innings score : 175 runs.

Team News

Shikhar Dhawan's fitness is uncertain for the upcoming match after he underwent a fitness test on Wednesday. Liam Livingstone, who suffered a hamstring injury in the nets, could be in contention to play on Thursday. Josh Hazlewood has arrived in India but is still completing his rehabilitation and may not feature in the match. Wayne Parnell is expected to continue as Kings' overseas seam option. David Willey is also a compelling alternative for the team.

Head to Head

Recent five matches

Expected Playing XI (Batting order) 

Punjab Kings (PBKS) Possible Playing 11

1 Shikhar Dhawan/Atharva Taide, 2 Prabhsimran Singh, 3 Harpreet Singh, 4 Liam Livingstone/Matthew Short , 5 Jitesh Sharma (Wk), 6 Sam Curran, 7 Shahrukh Khan, 8 Harpreet Brar, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Rahul Chahar, 11 Arshdeep Singh 

Roayal Challengers Bangalore (LSG) Possible Playing 11

1 Virat Kohli, 2 Faf du Plessis (C), 3 Mahipal Lomror, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Dinesh Karthik (Wk), 6 Shahbaz Ahmad, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Harshal Patel, 9 Wayne Parnell, 10 Karn Sharma, 11 Mohammed Siraj.

Stats Fact

• In 58 domestic T20 matches played at this venue, the team batting second has won 33 matches, indicating an advantage for chasing teams.
• Punjab Kings have won 5 of their last six games against RCB, and won both matches against them in the previous season.
• Shikhar Dhawan is on the verge of reaching 6500 IPL runs, currently having 49 half-centuries in the tournament history and needing just 23 more runs to reach the milestone.
• Glenn Maxwell is close to completing 2500 IPL runs, requiring just 5 more runs to reach the milestone.
• Kagiso Rabada has a strong record against RCB's key batters, having dismissed Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik four times each in all T20 cricket, while Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell have been dismissed by him three times each.

Selections for Fantasy cricket team (Dream 11)

• Prabhsimran Singh - He has played five matches in the IPL 2023, scoring 87 runs with an average of 17.60. He has a fifty to his name but has struggled in-  recent matches.
• Virat Kohli - He has scored 220 runs in five innings with three fifties and an average of 55 in IPL 2023. He has a decent record in Mohali, making him a good choice for captain or vice-captain in Dream11 prediction teams.
• Faf du Plessis - He is the leading run-scorer in IPL 2023 with 259 runs in five matches, scoring three fifties with an average of 64.57 and a strike rate of 172.67.
• Sam Curran - He has five wickets and 77 runs in five matches with an IPL career strike rate of 144.25. He has been good with the ball in his last two matches, with figures of 3/31 and 1/25.
• Glenn Maxwell - He has scored 176 runs and picked up a wicket in the five matches he has played so far. Since being promoted to the top order, he has shown good form.
• Arshdeep Singh - He is the highest wicket-taker for Punjab Kings in IPL 2023 with eight wickets in five matches, with an average of 17.62 across all phases of an innings.
• Mohammed Siraj - He has picked up eight wickets in IPL 2023 so far with a bowling average of 17.50. He has been particularly impressive with the new ball.

Note : Please check lineups before start of the game. Select players, based on your analysis and research. 

Prediction for Match result

Punjab Kings may win the match.

The upcoming match between the Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore promises to be an exciting encounter. The Punjab Kings' batting has been inconsistent, but they have a strong bowling lineup. On the other hand, RCB has a strong top-order batting, but their middle order has not been tested yet. Both teams have players in good form who are expected to perform well on the Mohali surface. The team winning the toss is likely to field first, and the chasing team has an advantage at this venue. With a close head-to-head record, both teams will be eager to come out on top in this match.