IPL 2024: PBKS aim to stun CSK at Chepauk
Chennai Super Kings will host Punjab Kings in Match 49 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). With five wins in nine games, CSK are currently third in the team standings with PBKS are struggling. They have just three wins in nine outings. However, the side chased down 262 against KKR in their preceding outing. Here we look at the match preview.
Key details about the match
Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium will host this duel on May 1 (7:30pm IST). Spinners will enjoy bowling here and the pacers will look to provide variations to gain maximum impetus. Meanwhile, the average run rate of teams batting first in Chennai since IPL 2023 reads 8.81. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on JioCinema.
A look at the head-to-head record
CSK and PBKS have been involved in some thrillers in the past. The five-time champions are ahead in terms of the head-to-head record, having won 15 of the 28 games. The remaining 13 games went in PBKS's favor. At the MA Chidambaram Stadium, CSK have defeated the Mohali-based side four times in seven meetings. Meanwhile, PBKS have won their last four matches against CSK.
Can PBKS replicate their heroics?
PBKS have played some quality cricket this year as most of their games have gone down to the wire. Moreover, they recorded the highest successful run chase in their preceding outing against KKR. Hence, the Yellow Brigade, who have used their resources well, should not be complacent. CSK have been impressive across all departments. Skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad has led from the front.
Here are the probable XIs
CSK (Probable XI): Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana. Impact sub: Shardul Thakur. PBKS (Probable XI): Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran (c), Rilee Rossouw, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh. Impact sub: Prabhsimran Singh.
A look at the key performers
Matheesha Pathirana's tally of 27 IPL wickets in the last five overs is the second-most for any bowler since 2023. With 447 runs at 63.86, Gaikwad is the second-leading run-getter in IPL 2024. PBKS finishers Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma have been striking at 180-plus this year. With 14 scalps, Harshal Patel is the joint leading wicket-taker this year.
