PBKS vs RR is do-or-die for two franchises with a slim chance of reaching the playoffs. Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have 12 points each and need a win to keep playoff hopes alive. Both teams failed to grab two points in their last fixture, and one of these sides faces elimination now.
Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium will host the match on Friday at 7:30 PM.
Punjab Kings
PBKS’ top order has to produce a top performance in Dharamsala. On Wednesday, Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran were dismissed quickly in the defeat against Delhi Capitals (DC). However, the fans will be delighted with Liam Livingstone’s valiant knock of 94. The Englishman stitched together a 78-run stand with Atharva Taide. But Jitesh Sharma and Shahrukh Khan failed to deliver the goods.
The PBKS bowling unit has a big challenge on its hands. Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, and Kagiso Rabada must keep a dangerous RR batting unit at bay on a batting-friendly track in Dharamsala. The Aussie had picked up four wickets the last time PBKS met RR. The spinners – Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar – are unlikely to get much purchase.
Rajasthan Royals
RR’s top order has to up their game after the embarrassing defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) last week. With the pitch at HPCA stadium favoring batters, the RR faithful will be hoping that experienced batters like Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Shimron Hetmyer will come to the party on Friday.
Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma will be key on a pitch with little assistance for spinners. The Kiwi pacer’s ability to trouble the batters in the powerplay is something the fans would expect ahead of RR’s final league stage game. Sandeep Sharma, who replaced Prasidh Krishna, hasn’t been that prolific but has done a fine job with the ball. The spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin will hope to bring their experience and find a way to pick up wickets during the middle overs.
PBKS vs RR Head-to-Head
In the 25 fixtures between both sides, RR has grabbed 14 wins, while PBKS won 12 times. Shikhar Dhawan, Prabhsimran Singh, and Nathan Ellis shone for PBKS in the latest meeting between both teams.
PBKS vs RR Last Five Meetings