IPL MATCH PREDICTION: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore, although being one of the most popular franchises in the IPL, has yet to win a single trophy in the competition's history and would be anxious to do so this time around.
There is an obvious problem, as there has been for several years with Bangalore: they still lack a quality middle order Indian batter, with only Anuj Rawat and Mahipal Lomror as options.
Dinesh Karthik, who has relocated from Kolkata Knight Riders, will don the gloves and serve as the Royal Challengers Bangalore finisher. They may also look forward to some pyrotechnics from spinners Shahbaz Ahmed and Wanindu Hasaranga, both of whom can make effective use of the long handle.
Jonny Bairstow and Liam Livingstone, both diverse players, have found a position in Punjab's middle order this time around, resolving the side's shaky middle order. While Bairstow will keep wicket, Livingstone can bowl at least two mix-and-match spin overs per match.
Punjab also spent $9 million on Indian finisher Shahrukh Khan, who now has to return the franchise's faith. Rishi Dhawan, who starred in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, will bat at No. 6 as a medium-pace bowling all-rounder.
Match details
Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 3rd match of IPL 2022
Date & time: 27th March, 2022, 7:30PM IST
Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
Pitch report
There will be no rain in Mumbai, but there will be a lot of humidity and perhaps some dew. The DY Patil Stadium's pitch is normally excellent. It has a decent amount of bounce and maintains a consistent tempo throughout the match. Because the outfield at this site is larger than at others, the spinners have a bigger role to play.
However, the odds are still stacked in favor of the batsmen. At this venue, we believe that around 170 will suffice.
Playing XI
PK
Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal (c), Liam Livingstone, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Odean Smith, Harpreet Brar, Sandeep Sharma, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
RCB
Faf du Plessis (c), Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Mahipal Lomror, Sherfane Rutherford, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey, Harshal Patel, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj
Toss winner: RCB
Match winner: PBKS
Note* This prediction is based on the site administrators' knowledge, analysis, and intuition. Consider the information provided and make your own judgement when making your prediction.
