Overview: -
Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced defeat in their first match of IPL 2024 against Chennai Super Kings. While Punjab Kings had a narrow escape from a loss against Delhi Capitals in their first match of IPL 2024.
Team Previews:
Head-to-Head Record: 31 matches; Bengaluru won 14, Punjab won 17
Position in 2023: RCB – 6th Position, PBKS – 8th position
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: -
RCB has to address the issues pertaining to death bowling. With CSK reeling at 110/4, RCB needed 64 runs to defend, but they couldn’t against Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube. Their lead spinner Karn Sharma had been expensive, with 1/24 off 2 overs. The other spinner, Mayank Dagar was economical with 0/6 in 2 overs. But he needs wickets.
On the other hand, Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli’s patchy form is a matter of concern. Both of them batting well in Top-3 will be crucial to maximise the score and win the matches with a better net run-rate. Anuj Rawat’s exploits against CSK were encouraging, a 48 run cameo off 25 balls.
Punjab Kings: -
Punjab Kings are bolstered with the unusual batting form of Sam Curran, who made a match-winning 63 runs off 47 balls against Delhi Capitals in their first match of IPL 2024. Their top order including captain Shikhar Dhawan misfired. Liam Livingstone looks in good form and should be promoted.
Harshal Patel took 2 wickets but leaked 47 runs in 4 overs against DC. However, him playing against his former team, RCB, he would know the opposition better than anyone else as well as know the ground (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium) in Bengaluru well than anyone else.
Probable XI:
Punjab Kings: -
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: -
Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Anuj Rawat (wk), Dinesh Karthik, Karn Sharma, Lockie Ferguson, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal
Weather and Pitch Report: -
Since it is a night match, Dew factor might play a factor during 2nd innings as the match.
It is a batting paradise so expect the 1st innings score to be 200+.
Match Details: -
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Date: 25th March 2024
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Live Streaming: Star Sports 1, 2 and Jio Cinema
Dream XI Team:
