IPL 2022, PBKS vs RCB: Preview, stats and Fantasy XI
Punjab Kings (PBKS) would be starting their campaign against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the third match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The match will take place on Sunday (March 27) at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Both RCB and PBKS will feature newly appointed captains for this season. Here's the complete preview.
Pitch report, timing and TV listing
The last time the venue hosted an IPL game dates back to 2011. The wicket will aid the batters with substantial bounce. Dew factor will be present as well. The match will start at 7:30 PM IST. The match can be watched live on Star Sports Network and live streamed on the Hotstar app (paid subscription).
RCB would look to do well under Faf
RCB will want to start well under new recruit Faf du Plessis. The veteran will lead the side and would be backed to score alongside Virat Kohli. Wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik's finishing abilities would be of utmost importance against PBKS' pacers. Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel, and David Willey will need to bowl intelligently. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga's spin potency can be significant.
Here's the head-to-head record
Punjab Kings enjoy a 15-13 record in wins over Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL. Both sides won a game each in the last edition of the tournament. RCB (7) have been the better side when batting first. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings (9) have dominated the former in run-chases. They are yet to face each other at this venue in the IPL.
PBKS seeking a new start under Mayank
Mayank Agarwal was appointed PBKS' captain after KL Rahul's departure. He will open the batting alongside the experienced Shikhar Dhawan. All-rounder Liam Livingstone and hard-hitter Shahrukh Khan would be entrusted with big-hitting abilities. The pace combination of Arshdeep Singh and Nathan Ellis (as Kagiso Rabada's serving quarantine), and a crafty leg-spinner in Rahul Chahar would form the core of their bowlers for this match-up.
Who are the key performers?
As per Cricketpedia, Dhawan has notched 615 runs in 22 innings against RCB. He has a strike rate of 122.26, hitting six fifties. Senior pacer Sandeep Sharma has taken 23 wickets against RCB with the best bowling performance of 3/15. The veteran Faf has notched 614 runs versus PBKS in the IPL at 61.40. He has slammed seven fifties with the best of 96.
Here's the probable XI for both sides
PBKS probable XI: Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Odean Smith, Harpreet Brar, Sandeep Sharma, Nathan Ellis, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar RCB probable XI: Faf du Plessis (c), Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Mahipal Lomror, Sherfane Rutherford, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey, Harshal Patel, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket team options
Fantasy XI (Option 1): Dinesh Karthik, Prabhsimran Singh, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan, Faf du Plessis, Mahipal Lomror, Liam Livingston, Harshal Patel, Sandeep Sharma, Rahul Chahar Fantasy XI (Option 2): Dinesh Karthik, Prabhsimran Singh, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Faf du Plessis, Mahipal Lomror, Liam Livingstone, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Sandeep Sharma, David Willey