PBKS vs RCB Match Preview
Dhawan's opening partner, Prabhsimran Singh, scored a brilliant half-century in the match against the Rajasthan Royals but has managed to score a total of just 4 runs in the next 3 matches. Similarly, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, and Matthew Short too have got some good starts but haven’t played a big inning yet.
We think Matthew Short is someone who could make a big splash in one of the matches very soon. Liam Livingstone may also be close to making a comeback since he has been declared fit and is only working on being match fit.
Zimbabwean all-rounder, Sikandar Raza, scored a half-century in the last match and that should give him some confidence. Arshdeep Singh has been the pick of the bowlers for the Punjab Kings this season with 8 wickets. However, he has been a bit expensive.
Similarly, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, and Kagiso Rabada have given away too many runs. The team does lack a full-time quality spinner as Rahul Chahar is the only option here.
While the batsmen have done a good job so far for RCB, it is the bowlers who will need to step up for the Royals Challengers. RCB has conceded more than 150 runs in each of the 5 matches they have played, and on 3 of those occasions, they have conceded more than 200 runs.
Harshal Patel has an economy rate of over 10.00, which is one of his worst performances in recent seasons. Vijay Kumar Vyshak, who had a stellar debut in the match against the Capitals was taken for a whopping 62 runs in the last match.
The only saving grace has been Mohammad Siraj, who has taken 8 wickets so far. Talking about the batting, the top order has been in excellent form, with the likes of Virat Kohli, Faf Du Plessis, and Glen Maxwell all scoring runs.
Weather Report
The temperature is expected to remain below the 30-degree mark but we may see some interruptions due to rain.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Mohali is a batting paradise and we can expect plenty of runs to be scored here. The average first-inning score on this ground is around 165-170, but the team batting first will be looking to score closer to 200 runs. There is some grass on the pitch which will help the quicker bowlers get some movement early on.
Notable stats
Kagiso Rabada’s Excellent Bowling
Kagiso Rabada is one of the most lethal bowlers when it comes to the T20 format. In his last 7 appearances, he has claimed 13 wickets at an excellent bowling strike rate of 12.46.
Team News
There are no updates regarding injuries from either side.
PBKS vs RCB Probable 11
PBKS Playing 11
- Shikhar Dhawan (C)
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Matthew Short
- Sikandar Raza
- Sam Curran
- Jitesh Sharma (Wk)
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Chahar
- Harpreet Brar
- Kagiso Rabada
- Arshdeep Singh
RCB Playing 11
- Virat Kohli
- Faf Du Plessis (C)
- Mahipal Lomror
- Glen Maxwell
- Dinesh Kartik (Wk)
- Shahbaz Ahmed
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Harshal Patel
- Mohammad Siraj
- Vijaykumar Vyshak
- Wayne Parnell
Dream11 Prediction
We are backing the Royal Challengers Bangalore to win here. While both the teams have performed pretty average with the ball this season, it is the batting that can act as the difference here. In that department, we feel that the visitors have enough firepower to overcome any threat that the hosts pose.
Top Picks
Fad du Plessis: Du Plessis has been excellent for RCB at the top of the order. He has scored 3 half-centuries in his 5 outings and is leading the race for the Orange Cap this season.
Shikhar Dhawan: Shikhar Dhawan has singlehandedly lifted the Punjab Kings’ batting this season, scoring 2 half-centuries. He is once again likely to play an important role in this match.
Mohammad Siraj: Mohammad Siraj has been the pick of the bowlers for RCB so far, taking 8 wickets. With overcast conditions forecast and some green patches on the pitch, we are likely to see another good spell from him.
PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: D Karthik
Batters: S Dhawan, V Kohli, F du Plessis (C)
All-rounders: G Maxwell (VC), S Curran, W Hasaranga, S Raza
Bowlers: K Rabada, A Singh, M Siraj
