SRT vs PCA Match Preview
Punjab have not had a star-performer in the tournament so far but the way their team has gelled together in both departments of the game has been spectacular. They have done a tremendous job under pressure with their young batting core of Prabhsimran Gill and Abhishek Sharma rising up to the occasion more often than not. While they have a pretty young bowling attack, the bowlers have stepped up whenever it has mattered. Saurashtra is a difficult opponent and they would know that. Having said that, they are coming into this match with plenty of momentum and confidence behind them and can certainly not be taken lightly.
Saurashtra had a roller-coaster run in the league stage and all the adventure aside, they would want to do a lot better in the quarter-final. They had some moments to remember in the league stage, including a historic win over Mumbai. With wins over Delhi and Hyderabad, Saurashtra proved his stature and potency to one and all. However, coming off a couple of losses - to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, they showed their vulnerabilities as well. On top of that, they will be missing Chetershwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jaydev Unadkat - who all can be match-winners, especially in this format of the game. Despite that, it would be wrong to count them out, given their rich history of playing without their superstars. They'll just need their youngsters, or lesser known players, as a matter of fact and if that happens, Punjab will have their task cut out.
Weather Report
A knockout match is always a high-pressure game and this would be no different. It's expected to be nice and pleasant at Rajkot with batting being easy. The weather would be sunny too and teams are likely to avoid batting fourth. Considering that and the other factors, the captain winning the toss is expected to bat first.
Pitch Report
Rajkot has traditionally been a batting paradise and the same is likely to be true, at least for the most part of the match. We might see some early morning assistance for the quicker bowlers and some assistance for the spinners towards the end on what otherwise is likely to be a road-like surface. Bowlers will have to toil hard and batsmen once set can make merry. The first innings lead could eventually turn out to be the differentiator between a spot in the semi-final and missing out on one. A total of 400 batting first would be bare minimum that the team would want to put on the board.
Notable stats
Spinner enjoying more success
Spinners have been more successful in the league stage of the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 and with the match likely to be played on a used surface, we expect the trend to continue
Baltej Singh on a roll
Punjab's Baltej Singh is the highest wicket-taking seam bowler in the tournament. Given the numbers he has behind him, he just cannot be left out of your Dream11 side.
Team News
Saurashtra are sure to miss the services of Ravindra Jadeja, Chetershwar Pujara, and Jaydev Unadkat. While their replacements are not yet clear, the loss - owing to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is certainly a big one.
The only change that Punjab might be making - that too a forced one, is replacing Abhishek Sharma, if in case he has not recovered from the shoulder injury he sustained in the previous match. If he is fit, we expect Punjab to field the same team.
SRT vs PCA Probable 11
SRT Playing 11
- Harvik Desai (Wk)
- Chirag Jani
- Sheldon Jackson
- Arpit Vasavada (C)
- Samarth Vyas
- Prerak Mankad
- Parth Bhut
- Dharmendrasinh Jadeja
- Chetan Sakariya
- Yuvrajsinh Dadiya
- Jay Gohil
PCA Playing 11
- Prabhsimran Gill
- Abhishek Sharma
- Naman Dhir
- Mandeep Singh (C)
- Anmolpreet Singh
- Nehal Wadhera
- Anmol Malhotra (Wk)
- Mayank Markande
- Siddarth Kaul
- Gurnoor Brar
- Baltej Singh
Dream11 Prediction
Check out the Dream11 fantasy team lineup for the upcoming Ranji Trophy quarter-final match that is to be played between Saurashtra and Punjab. Don't forget to check back the latest updated team lineup right after the toss.
Top Picks
Punjab have plenty of names to who have delivered the goods but one player who we would want to pick and can act as a differentiator is Baltej Singh. Although he doesn't have express pace, he has been menacing with the ball, especially on the surfaces offering help. He has averaged 12.85 in the league stage and just cannot be left out of your Dream11 team.
With most experienced players missing, the onus will be on Dharmendrasinh Jadeja to deliver with the bat as well as with the ball. He was brilliant in the league stage - having played some useful knocks and having contributed with the ball too. He is certainly the one to be picked on your side. A pretty nifty captaincy choice too.
SRT vs PCA Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: Harvik Desai, Prabhsimran Gill
Batters: Sheldon Jackson, Ankit Vasavada, Anmolpreet Singh
All-rounders: Abhishek Sharma (VC), Chirag Jani, Prerak Mankad
Bowlers: Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (C), Baltej Singh, Mayank Markande
