The upcoming clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Monday (March 25) is set to further kick off the excitement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. This match holds significant importance as Punjab will look to continue their winning momentum, while Bengaluru will look to open their account after initial losses. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium offers a batting-friendly surface generally in the shortest format. The flat pitch and short boundaries are likely to result in high-scoring games, with the chasing team having a slight advantage.
RCB vs PBKS: Head-to-Head Record:
- Bengaluru has played 31 matches against PBKS in the IPL since 2008;
- RCB emerged victorious in 14 games, while Punjab has won 17.
- In the last five games, Punjab maintained the lead of 3-2 against Bengaluru.
- At the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the contest has been neck to neck, with Bengaluru leading with a slight margin of 6-5.
- Both teams have demonstrated competitive spirits in their recent clashes, making their face-offs highly anticipated among cricket enthusiasts.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Overview:
RCB did not have a great start to the season in the IPL 2024. They lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their fortress by six wickets, courtesy of the failure of the top order and some senseless bowling. The game against PBKS would be important for them as it will be the first home game in this edition for the 2016 runners-up.
RCB’s probable playing XI for IPL 2024 game against PBKS:
- Faf du Plessis
- Virat Kohli
- Cameron Green
- Rajat Patidar
- Glenn Maxwell
- Anuj Rawat
- Dinesh Karthik
- Mayank Dagar
- Lockie Ferguson
- Himanshu Shar
- Mohammed Siraj
Explanation:
RCB’s lineup is crucially adapted to the conditions at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, boasting a strong batting lineup with players like Du Plessis, Kohli, and Maxwell. Their bowling attack, led by Ferguson and Siraj, have versatility and aggression to counter PBKS’s batting prowess.
Also WATCH: Shah Rukh Khan catches up with Rinku Singh after KKR’s thrilling win over SRH
Punjab Kings (PBKS) Overview
2014 was undoubtedly the best season of PBKS in the league. It was the last instance of them qualifying for the playoffs of a season. In 2024, they would be hoping to improve their record and hopefully win the trophy for the first time. They had a good start to the season by beating Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets with Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran and Arshdeep Singh being the main stars of the win.
PBKS’s probable playing XI for IPL 2024 game against RCB:
- Shikhar Dhawan
- Jonny Bairstow
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Atharva Taide
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma
- Harpreet Brar
- Sam Curran
- Kagiso Rabada
- Rahul Chahar
- Arshdeep Singh
Explanation:
PBKS’s lineup boasts a strategic batting order blending stability with explosive stroke-play, poised to challenge RCB’s strengths. Supported by a versatile bowling attack spearheaded by Rabada and Chahar, PBKS will aim to exploit the conditions at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. With a balanced mix of experience and youth, PBKS poses a formidable challenge to RCB’s aspirations in IPL 2024.