IPL 2024: Punjab Kings to host high-flying Rajasthan Royals
Punjab Kings will host Rajasthan Royals in match number 27 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). After clinching their first four games, table-toppers RR suffered their maiden defeat in their preceding outing. Though PBKS have just two wins and three defeats, their batting line-up makes them a formidable force. Here we look at the match preview.
Key details about the match
Chandigarh's Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium will host this duel on April 13. PBKS have been a part of a couple of high-scoring games at this venue. The batters got great value for their shots, though there has been assistance for pacers early on. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and stream the same on JioCinema (7:30pm IST).
A look at the H2H record
RR and PBKS have played each other a total of 26 times in the IPL. The Royals have a superior record with 15 wins in comparison to PBKS's 11 victories. The two sides met twice last season and walked away with one win apiece. Meanwhile, RR have clinched five of their last seven meetings against the Kings.
Can PBKS upset RR?
The Royals have had a near-perfect campaign so far with contributions coming across all three departments. Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Riyan Parag, and skipper Sanju Samson have been brilliant. Meanwhile, PBKS have not made the best use of their resources. Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma's late hitting headlined their last two outings. Meanwhile, Liam Livingstone's absence has hurt them big time.
A look at the probable XIs
PBKS (Probable XI): Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran, Shashank Singh, Sikandar Raza, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh. Impact sub: Ashutosh Sharma. RR (probable XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Yuzvendra Chahal. Impact sub: Keshav Maharaj.
Here are the key performers
With 261 runs at a strike rate of 158.18, Parag is RR's leading run-getter this season. Boult's tally of 46 powerplay wickets in the IPL is the most for any bowler since 2020. Shashank and Ashutosh have been striking at 195.71 and 200, respectively, this season. With eight wickets, Arshdeep Singh is PBKS' leading wicket-taker. Kagiso Rabada narrowly trails him with seven scalps.
