Match Details
Date: 05 April 2023
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Live Scores: SportsTiger App
Preview
In the eighth match of the sixteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be up against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Both teams are coming into the game on the back of a win and hence will be pumped up for this clash. While Rajasthan registered a thumping win (by 72 runs) over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening fixture, Punjab Kings pipped Kolkata Knight Riders by 7 runs (DLS method). It will be interesting to see who reigns supreme when the two teams meet on Wednesday.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Barsapara Cricket Stadium is known to aid seamers early in the innings. However, as the game progresses, hitting through the line becomes easy due to the consistent pace and bounce. So, considering how RR and PBKS played in their last game, a high-scoring thriller will be on the cards.
Team Analysis
Rajasthan Royals
Last edition’s runners-up, Rajasthan Royals picked up from where they left off. The Sanju Samson-led team registered a comprehensive win over a timid SRH as the batter and bowlers both dominated the opposition. While half-centuries from Jos Buttler, Yashaswi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson and a cameo from Shimron Hetmyer propelled RR to a massive 203/4, a four-wicket haul from Yuzvendra Chahal and two early wickets from Trent Boult helped them restrict SRH at 131/8.
With this massive win, RR’s Net Run Rate skyrocketed and stands at 3.600 and they sit atop in the points table. Now, as they gear up to take on Punjab Kings, RR will hope for a similar performance from all their players. Buttler and Jaiswal once again will be crucial to provide a solid start while the middle order will look to capitalize on it. The pace duo of Trent Boult and Jason Holder were good and will be expected to carry their form into this match as well. Meanwhile, Chahal, as usual, will be the key bowler in the middle overs.
SportsTiger Playing XI of RR
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings put on a show with the bat against KKR as Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored a brisk half-century. Sam Curran (26* off 17) and Shikhar Dhawan (40 off 29) were the other key batters for PBKS. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh (3/19) led the charge with the ball in hand. However, Punjab will have to be at their level best if they are to beat the mighty Royals.
With the Guwahati pitch assisting pacers, PBKS openers will have the tough job to face Trent Boult and Jason Holder, both of whom are masters of swing and seam. The middle order will also have to face the spin wizards in Chahal and Ashwin. However, PBKS bowlers, especially Arshdeep will be itching to bowl in Guwahati as the last time the left-arm seamer played here, he wreaked havoc.
SportsTiger Playing XI of PBKS
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Nathan Ellis, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Best Fantasy Team For RR vs PBKS
Match Prediction
Conclusion
Rajasthan Royals seem to have all bases covered. On the other hand, Punjab might suffer due to the lack of Indian experience in their middle order. Also, the conditions might suit RR more. Hence, the Sanju Samson-led team is expected to come out victorious on Wednesday.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.