PBKS Vs RR Preview: Punjab face RR challenge in must-win clash for both

PBKS Vs RR Preview: Punjab emerged victorious against RR earlier this season by a margin of just 5 runs.

The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is set to host Match No. 66 of the Indian Premier League 2023, featuring a clash between the Punjab Kings and the Rajasthan Royals.

PBKS, who lost their previous match and have 6 wins out of 13 matches played so far, faced a defeat against DC by 15 runs. In the upcoming match against RR, PBKS will strive for a victory to maintain their chances of progressing in the playoffs. However, their qualification relies not only on their performance but also on other match outcomes, making their destiny uncertain.

RR, who also lost their previous match and have 6 wins out of 13 matches so far, suffered a defeat against RCB by 112 runs. In the upcoming match against PBKS, RR finds themselves in a similar situation like PBKS, where they need to win and rely on favorable outcomes in other matches to secure a spot in the playoffs.

PBKS emerged victorious against RR earlier this season by a margin of 5 runs. Shikhar Dhawan's unbeaten 86* off 56 balls, complemented by an explosive start from Prabhsimran Singh (60 off 34), led PBKS to post a competitive total of 197/4. Despite RR's fightback led by Samson (42 off 25), Hetmyer (36 off 18) and Dhruv Jurel (32* off 15), Nathan Ellis's incisive spell of 4/30 and Sam Curran's nerve in the final over secured a tense win for PBKS.

PBKS Vs RR: Pitch Report

The recent Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings game showcased a pitch favoring batters, despite some initial assistance for pace bowlers due to the grass. Batters should be cautious with the new ball but can score runs freely once the first few overs are done. The small boundaries will further aid the batters, resulting in a high-scoring encounter. Winning the toss might influence the team to choose bowling first.

PBKS Vs RR: Team News

Despite their loss, PBKS might choose to field the same playing XI in their upcoming match against RR. Prabhsimran Singh will play as an impact player once again.

RR could potentially make a change for the upcoming match against PBKS by bringing in Trent Boult as a replacement for Adam Zampa.

PBKS Vs RR: Head To Head

Matches - 25

Punjab Kings - 11

Rajasthan Royals - 14

PBKS Vs RR: Players to Watch

Punjab Kings: Liam Livingtsone

Livingstone exhibited an exceptional performance, smashing a remarkable 94 runs from just 48 balls, even though his team couldn't secure a victory. As his team gets ready for the upcoming match against RR, Livingstone will be determined to sustain his impressive form and contribute significantly once more.

Rajasthan Royals : Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in exceptional form this season, accumulating 575 runs in 13 matches. Although he had a remarkable knock of 98 off 47 balls against KKR, he faced a setback in the last match against RCB, being dismissed for a duck. With an upcoming match against PBKS, Jaiswal will be determined to continue his form and provide a strong start for the Rajasthan Royals.

PBKS Vs RR: Probable Playing XIs

Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Arshdeep Singh

Rajasthan Royals Predicted Playing XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c/wk), Joe Root, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal

PBKS Vs RR: Match Facts

In 25 matches between the teams, PBKS have won 11 and RR have won 14.

The last time these two teams faced each other earlier this season, PBKS emerged victorious.

Jitesh Sharma need only 1 run to reach 500 runs in IPL.

PBKS Vs RR: Live Broadcasting

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

UK: DAZN, Sky Sports

AUS: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports