PBKS vs GT Preview: GT's death bowling in focus against erratic Punjab Kings batting

PBKS vs GT Preview: Both teams look to gain winning momentum back after a loss in their respective previous games

Match no. 18 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2023) will see Punjab Kings (PBKS) host Gujarat Titans (GT) on the 13th of April at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali.

Both teams have had a similar journey to their IPL 2023 campaign, a win in the first two games followed by a defeat in their last games. Thrillers, one-sided games, and whatnot, both teams have witnessed it all thus far.

Starting with a win, PBKS looked promising this year under the captaincy of Shikhar Dhawan who has led his team from the front. The bowling unit ticked all the boxes with Kagiso Rabada waiting for his chance in the wings. Boosted by Liam Livingstone's addition, it will be a good headache for the management to select their four overseas players.

On the other hand, Gujarat Titans are coming into this fixture after a blockbuster of a game against Kolkata Knight Riders. Their stand-in captain, Rashid Khan spun his magic, becoming the 19th player to claim a hat-trick in IPL, but it proved a little too short for his team in the end. Given his team's performances in the recent past, GT will hope to shrug it off and be back to the winning ways.

PBKS vs GT: Pitch Report

Hosting its first match of the season, it will be interesting to see how the wicket will play this year. Historically speaking, the strip at Mohali has been good for batters. Dew might be a factor as well later in the game.

PBKS vs GT: Team News

Liam Livingstone has joined the PBKS camp and is most likely to be a part of the playing XI right away. Kagiso Rabada, who has been waiting for his chance might also get a nod ahead in place of Nathan Ellis.

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya's availability is still a looming question as didn't take a part in the last game. Rest, the team looks settled with no other possible change on cards unless a forced one.

PBKS vs GT: Head to Head

Matches – 2

Punjab Kings – 1

Gujarat Titans – 1

PBKS vs GT: Players to Watch

Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan

PBKS' captain, Shikhar Dhawan has been in hot form this season. Top-scorer for the team, Dhawan was the star of the show for PBKS with the bat in the last game, missing his well-deserved century by just one run. It will be interesting to see if he can carry on with his form into the tournament.

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill

The young and promising talent of Shubman Gill hasn't fired for his team the way they would have wanted. Although he has got starts in all the matches, Gill has failed to convert them into big ones. But one can sense that a big knock from his bat is just around the corner. Will it be this match against PBKS, will be interesting to watch out for.

PBKS vs GT: Probable Playing XIs

Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sikander Raza, Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar

Gujarat Titans Predicted Playing XI: Wriddhiman Saha, Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar, Sai Sudharsan, Abhinav Manohar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, Alzarri Joseph, Joshua Little

PBKS vs GT: Match Facts

Shikhar Dhawan needs 31 runs to complete 6500 runs in IPL.

David Miller requires 12 runs to complete 2500 runs in IPL.

Kagiso Rabada needs 1 wicket to complete 100 wickets in IPL.

PBKS vs GT: Live Broadcasting

IND: Star Sports Network (TV) | JioCinema (Live Streaming)

UK: DAZN, Sky Sports

AUS: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports

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