PBKS vs RCB Preview – Bangalore look to bounce-back against confident Punjab
Punjab Kings will host the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 27th match of the Indian Premier League 2023 at their home ground, the Punjab Cricket Association (PCS) IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. The hosts will be riding high on confidence given their recent thrilling victory against the Lucknow Super Giants, which came without the services of regular skipper Shikhar Dhawan on the side.
While PBKS will be backed with a victory, RCB will be coming off a topsy-turvy ride. After clinching a dominating victory over the Delhi Capitals, RCB hosted Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday, April 18. It was a rollercoaster ride for the Men in Red and Black as even after terrific performances from skipper Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell, the team failed to chase the 227-run target and fell short of eight runs.
Punjab Kings’ lower-order batters showed great resilience in their previous game against LSG as they clinched a magnificent victory from the jaws of defeat. With Shikhar Dhawan coming back into the combination, he will be expected to provide the side with a fiery start and lead the team from the front in their hunt for the maiden IPL title.
Pitch and conditions
The pitch is good for batting, and the batters get the full advantage in the second half of the game, making the chase easier. Hence, the team winning the toss would likely opt to bowl first, and the bowlers will have a major task while defending the total.
Venue details: Punjab Cricket Association (PCS) IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali
Last T20 match at the venue: PBKS- 153/8 (20 overs) | GT- 154/4 (19.5 overs)
Here’s the probable playing XI for Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore clash:
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings won their campaign opener at home, and since then they are yet to clinch a victory at the same venue. The first game against KKR was a rain-curtailed contest and they were able to win it when the DLS method came into play. Shikhar Dhawan & Co will be gunning for a second victory at home.
Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB have seen many ups and downs so far. The bowling factor is not working for them the way they had planned, and only the top-order batters – Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell- have been well among the runs this season. The team would want the bowlers and the middle-order batters to put in more effort.
