PBKS vs RR is the final league fixture of both teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. It is a virtual eliminator as Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are tied on 12 points. Both teams will be eyeing a big win due to a negative run rate. With Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers, and Kolkata Knight Riders in the playoffs fray, even two points wouldn’t be enough to seal a place in the top four.
The match will take place at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala, on Friday at 7:30 PM.
PBKS vs RR | Preview | Team Analysis & Squad Details
Let’s closely examine PBKS vs RR – team analysis, squad, head-to-head record, and prediction.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS suffered a huge blow to their playoff hopes after a narrow defeat at the hands of Delhi Capitals (DC) on Wednesday. Liam Livingstone played a fighting 94, but it wasn’t enough, as the home side lost by 15 runs. The poor start to the run chase played a significant role in the defeat. Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh failed to provide the perfect start. It left too much for Livingstone at the end.
The bowling unit failed to control the run flow in the death overs against DC. PBKS conceded 51 runs off the final three overs, which meant PBKS had to chase 214. Sam Curran had a decent outing, picking up 2/36. On the other hand, the returning Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, and Arshdeep Singh gave away more than ten runs per over.
PBKS Squad
- Shikhar Dhawan (captain)
- Matthew Short
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Atharva Taide
- Liam Livingstone
- Harpreet Singh Bhatia
- Sam Curran
- Jitesh Sharma
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Chahar
- Harpreet Brar
- Nathan Ellis
- Vidwath Kaverappa
- Baltej Dhanda
- Rishi Dhawan
- Raj Angad Bawa
- Mohit Rathee
- Arshdeep Singh
- Shivam Singh
- Sikandar Raza
- Kagiso Rabada
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Gurnoor Singh
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR is under pressure after a below-the-belt batting performance against RCB in a crucial fixture. In the chase of 172, the Sanju Samson-led side lost five wickets in the powerplay and was bundled out for 59. The top-order has to deliver against PBKS to keep their playoff hopes alive. With experienced players in the lineup, RR fans will be hoping that the batting unit will click on a pitch that suits the likes of Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Shimron Hetmyer.
The RR bowling department has a challenge on its hands. With little assistance from spinners at HPCA Stadium, Sandeep Sharma and Trent Boult will have their work cut out. RR fans would be hoping that the Kiwi international would provide breakthroughs early. Meanwhile, Sandeep can keep things tight at his end and put pressure on batters.
RR Squad
- Sanju Samson (captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Jos Buttler
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Riyan Parag
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Trent Boult
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Sandeep Sharma
- Adam Zampa
- Jason Holder
- Navdeep Saini
- Obed McCoy
- KM Asif
- Donovan Ferreira
- Joe Root
- Murugan Ashwin
- Dhruv Jurel
- Kuldip Yadav
- KC Cariappa
- Abdul P A
- Kunal Rathore
- Kuldeep Sen
- Akash Vashisht
Head-to-Head – PBKS vs RR
RR won 14 of the 25 fixtures against RR in the IPL. However, PBKS had the last laugh in the latest encounter with RR. Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh hit the fifties, while Nathan Ellis took 4/30. The Mohali-based franchise grabbed a five-run win.
IPL 2023 Stats – PBKS & RR
- Most Runs: Shikhar Dhawan – 356 runs (PBKS); Yashasvi Jaiswal – 575 runs (RR)
- Total Wickets: Arshdeep Singh – 16 wickets (PBKS); Yuzvendra Chahal – 21 wickets (RR)
- Most Sixes: Simran Singh – 19 sixes (PBKS); Yashasvi Jaiswal – 26 sixes (RR)
Winner Prediction – PBKS vs RR
Both teams suffered a shattering defeat in their respective last IPL fixtures. RR will be wounded more after the embarrassing loss against RCB in Jaipur. It will likely be a thrilling match, with RR likely to edge PBKS.
Final Thoughts on PBKS vs RR
A thrilling match is on the cards as both teams cannot afford a defeat. The fans will be hoping to see the likes of Jos Buttler and Liam Livingstone pile up runs on a pitch that has seen over 400 runs in the last game.
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