Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to continue their IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024 journey as they clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
This encounter is scheduled to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, marking the 58th game of the tournament on Thursday, May 9.
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PBKS vs RCB: Match Preview
This year’s IPL has been fiercely competitive, with no team officially eliminated as the league stage nears its end. Even Mumbai Indians, with just four wins from 12 games, still have a slim chance, albeit a complex one. Historically, 16 points have often secured a playoff spot, but with the league expanding to ten teams, this threshold is no longer reliable. Consequently, teams like KKR and RR, despite sitting on 16 points, cannot afford to relax. On the other hand, PBKS and RCB can only reach a maximum of 14 points, meaning they heavily rely on other results for qualification.
In this high-stakes scenario, PBKS and RCB meet in Dharamsala for what is essentially a do-or-die encounter, with the loser joining Mumbai Indians in a position where they can only achieve a maximum of 12 points. This match epitomizes the divergent paths these two teams have taken leading up to this crucial game. Although Punjab Kings have only secured four wins from 11 games so far, the results fail to capture how close they were to victory in many of their seven defeats. While top-order collapses have been a recurring issue, concerns also linger over their death bowling in other losses.
At present, Punjab occupies the eighth position in the standings, having secured four victories and suffered seven defeats. Their aim is to clinch a triumph against RCB to climb higher in the IPL 2024 leaderboard.
RCB’s performance has undergone a significant transformation between their initial six matches and their recent five encounters.
Their batting lineup has notably improved since their loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad by a narrow 25-run margin in a chase of 288. In their last five games, RCB’s lowest total was 152, achieved while chasing 148 against Gujarat Titans in Bengaluru. The resurgence can be attributed to Faf du Plessis returning to form and a consistent top four comprising Virat Kohli, du Plessis, Will Jacks, and Rajat Patidar.
Du Plessis has recorded two half-centuries in the last five matches, leading to a quicker run-scoring rate in the initial six overs. RCB’s run rate during the powerplay in the last five matches (12.3) significantly surpasses that of the first six games (8.27). This allows players like Jacks and Patidar to bat during the middle overs, as the additional risks taken early on have often resulted in wickets but have ultimately favored RCB, evident in their improved run rate. With more proficient spin-hitters at the crease, RCB’s run rate during the middle overs since April 15 has increased to 11.03 compared to 8.41 in the earlier games.
Another consequence of this batting revival is that Kohli, who has been consistently performing throughout IPL 2024, now has the freedom to play more aggressively, as indicated by the rise in his strike rate from 141.77 in the first six games to 158.15 in the last five matches. This all contributes to why the upcoming match against PBKS might be arriving at an opportune moment for RCB.
On the contrary, Royal Challengers Bengaluru appears to have regained momentum. With four wins and seven losses in 11 matches, RCB currently holds the seventh spot in the standings. They aspire to extend their winning streak and secure their fourth consecutive victory of the season.
The recent absence of pressure, as suggested by Faf in post-match presentations, might have contributed to RCB’s resurgence. With qualification prospects appearing slim, RCB has played with greater freedom, particularly in their batting displays. Faf’s resurgence in form, coupled with the addition of Will Jacks, has injected vigor into the batting order. Moreover, the bowling unit, previously lacking direction and discipline, has shown improvement in their strategies over the last three games.
In the unpredictable realm of T20 cricket, the differing trajectories of both teams hold little significance as they find themselves in similar situations. While not officially labeled as such, this match effectively serves as a knockout encounter for both teams.
PBKS have demonstrated their prowess as formidable travelers, yet their performances at home haven’t been as reassuring. Over the last two seasons, they’ve had three home venues – Mohali, Dharamsala, and the recent addition, Mullanpur – the highest number among all teams. In IPL 2024, while they’ve secured victories in three out of five away games, they’ve only managed to win one out of six matches at home. This places PBKS with the lowest percentage of home wins over the past two seasons, and their upcoming clash against RCB marks their final match in Dharamsala for IPL 2024.
Punjab’s aggressive batting approach led to an astonishing run chase against table-toppers KKR, resulting in the highest T20 chase ever witnessed. Much of their batting reliance has been on younger players like Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, who had to shoulder the burden after early setbacks. While both have showcased their talent, particularly Shashank, it was the return to form of Jonny Bairstow that truly bolstered Punjab’s lineup. Following their remarkable triumph over KKR at Eden Gardens, they delivered another memorable win against CSK at Chepauk. However, the subsequent loss to the defending champions at Dharamsala dented Punjab’s aspirations. Despite possessing a skilled roster, their ability to handle pressure will ultimately determine their fate.
PBKS now face the challenge of confronting an RCB squad riding a three-match winning streak. Often considered the IPL’s perennial underdogs, RCB had a solitary win in their first eight games, seemingly destined for an early exit. However, Faf du Plessis’ team turned the tide with consecutive victories, starting with an upset over Sunrisers Hyderabad followed by two convincing wins over Gujarat Titans. These triumphs, characterized by dominant performances, have breathed new life into the team.
As the race for playoffs intensifies, a defeat for either team would significantly increase the pressure, pushing them closer to elimination.
In Terms Of Recent Form:
Punjab Kings LWWLL (last five completed games, most recent first)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru WWWLL
PBKS vs RCB: Pitch Report & Conditions
The HPCA stadium in Dharamsala typically favors the bowlers, particularly the pacers who can extract movement from the surface. Therefore, a low-scoring match is anticipated. Opting to bowl first and restricting the opposition to a below-par total could prove to be a strategic advantage.
In the three IPL matches held at Dharamsala since last year, teams winning the toss have predominantly chosen to bowl first, yet only once has this decision translated into a victory. Even in PBKS’ previous match at the venue this season, Chennai Super Kings effectively defended a total of 167 runs. The temperature in Dharamsala is expected to be in the early twenties.
The first game of the season witnessed a slower surface, offering assistance to seamers early on and spinners later in the innings. However, since that was a day game, the venue historically tends to provide better conditions for batsmen during night matches. Nevertheless, there should still be some assistance for pacers with the new ball.
PBKS vs RCB: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 32
- Punjab Kings won: 17
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru won: 15
- No Result: 0
- First Played: May 05, 2008
- Last Played: March 25, 2024
PBKS vs RCB: Team News and Impact Player Strategy
Punjab Kings
In the Punjab Kings camp, Shikhar Dhawan’s absence due to non-travel leaves the team likely unchanged from their recent successful outings. This means they will probably maintain their current combination, with Jonny Bairstow set to play a pivotal role, especially considering his exceptional track record against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Bairstow’s history against RCB is remarkable, featuring a century and two fifties in just five innings, accumulating 261 runs at an impressive strike rate of 177.55.
Notably, he also boasts a commanding strike rate of 216 against RCB’s powerplay specialist Mohammed Siraj, having scored 54 runs off 25 balls with one dismissal. Punjab Kings will heavily rely on Bairstow’s consistent performances against RCB to provide them with a strong start and lay a solid foundation for their innings. While there’s a slight possibility of Liam Livingstone’s return, it seems improbable given their recent success with the current lineup.
Predicted XII:
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Jonny Bairstow
- Rilee Rossouw
- Shashank Singh
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Sam Curran (capt)
- Harpreet Brar
- Harshal Patel
- Kagiso Rabada
- Rahul Chahar
- Arshdeep Singh
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
For Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Glenn Maxwell’s recent return to action saw him contribute with a wicket in their victory over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, although he didn’t get a chance to bat. However, in the subsequent fixture, he faced disappointment with a duck, continuing his lean patch. RCB faces a decision whether to persist with Maxwell or introduce Reece Topley and his varied bowling options, particularly on a surface that offered assistance to slower bowlers in the previous PBKS-CSK match. Additionally, there’s a possibility of a swap between impact players Rajat Patidar and Yash Dayal.
Rajat Patidar has displayed an aggressive intent between overs 7-15, boasting a striking rate of 183. Despite this, he has also been dismissed seven times in 100 deliveries. His approach against spin will be crucial for RCB, especially considering the form of Punjab’s spin duo, Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar. Given RCB’s current three-match winning streak, it’s unlikely for them to make significant changes to their lineup, thus maintaining consistency.
Predicted XII:
- Virat Kohli
- Faf du Plessis (capt)
- Will Jacks
- Rajat Patidar
- Glenn Maxwell
- Cameron Green
- Dinesh Karthik (wk)
- Swapnil Singh
- Karn Sharma
- Mohammed Siraj
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
- Yash Dayal
PBKS vs RCB: Players Under The Spotlight
RCB- Harpreet Brar
In the previous encounter between PBKS and RCB, Harpreet Brar emerged as Punjab’s most economical bowler, producing outstanding figures of 2 for 13. Despite RCB’s aggressive run rate, Brar managed to dismiss key players like Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell. However, RCB’s failure to post a challenging total undermined the impact of Brar’s performance. Interestingly, RCB has struggled against left-arm orthodox spinners in IPL 2024, scoring slower than any other team except Gujarat Titans. With one-third of his 24 IPL wickets coming against RCB, Brar poses a significant threat to their playoff aspirations.
PBKS- Will Jacks
Before making his IPL debut, Will Jacks predominantly played as an opener in T20 cricket, with 131 of his 155 innings coming in that role. However, since joining RCB, he has been assigned the No. 3 position and has shown glimpses of promise despite mixed returns. While four of his six innings have yielded single-digit scores, he has also notched up a brilliant 55 and an unbeaten century. Against a formidable bowling attack, which has been the second-most economical in the first 16 overs of matches (powerplay and middle overs) and the most economical in the first ten overs in IPL 2024, Jacks faces a challenging task.
PBKS vs RCB: Match Prediction
Scenario 1:
- Toss: Punjab Kings win the toss and choose to bowl.
- Powerplay Score: 60-70.
- First Innings Score: 180-190.
- Prediction: Punjab Kings win the match.
Scenario 2:
- Toss: Royal Challengers Bangalore win the toss and opt to bowl.
- Powerplay Score: 50-60.
- First Innings Score: 170-180.
- Prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore win the match.
PBKS vs RCB: Dream 11 Fantasy Prediction
Team 1:
- Keeper: Dinesh Karthik (VC), Prabhsimran Singh
- Batsman: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Ashutosh Sharma, Shashank Singh
- All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Swapnil Singh, Cameron Green
- Bowlers: Karn Sharma, Harpreet Brar (C)
Team 2:
- Keeper: Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh
- Batsman: Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli
- All-rounders: Sam Curran (VC), Glenn Maxwell, Will Jacks, Cameron Green
- Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj
When and Where to Watch the Match: Streaming & Broadcast Details
What: Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), IPL 2024
When: 7:30 PM IST, Thursday – May 9
Where: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
Where to watch PBKS vs RCB Live Streaming: JioCinema app for FREE
Where to watch PBKS vs RCB Live Telecast: Star Sports
