IPL 2024: PBKS eye their sixth straight win over CSK
Chennai Super Kings will have redemption in mind as they take on Punjab Kings in Match 53 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). It will be a reverse fixture of Match 49 which saw PBKS claim a seven-wicket triumph. Meanwhile, both sides have played 10 games so far with CSK owning five wins in comparison to PBKS' four. Here is the preview.
Pitch report and other details
Dharamsala's Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) will host the duel on May 5 (3:30pm IST). This will be the first game at this venue in IPL 2024. The track here is known to favor pacers with bounce being offered. However, batters can also make merry after getting settled. Star Sports will telecast the match, and fans can also live-stream it on JioCinema for free.
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 29 games. The remaining 14 games went in PBKS's favor. Meanwhile, PBKS have won their last five matches against CSK. Last week, the Kings successfully chased down 163 after restricting CSK batters in Chennai.
Can PBKS replicate their heroics?
PBKS have played some quality cricket this year as most of their games have gone down to the wire. However, they have been guilty of faltering at the key moments. Batting has been their forte. Meanwhile, CSK have blown hot and cold, though they have identified a balanced XI. It's a crucial game as both these teams are currently outside the top four.
Here are the probable XIs
CSK (Probable XI): Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Richard Gleeson, Mustafizur Rahman. Impact sub: Sameer Rizvi. 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
With 509 runs at 63.62, Ruturaj Gaikwad is the leading run-getter of IPL 2024. PBKS finishers Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma have been striking at 165-plus this year. With 14 scalps, Harshal Patel is the third-leading wicket-taker this year. CSK's Mustafizur Rahman has also returned with as many wickets this year.
