PBKS VS RR Dream11 Team Prediction: Pitch Report , PBKS vs RR Head-to-Head Record

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 continues to thrill cricket fans across the nation. The upcoming match on Saturday, April 13th, promises to be an exciting encounter between the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The clash will take place at the iconic Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

The Kings have had a decent run so far, securing victories in two out of their five matches played. However, they suffered a narrow defeat in their last game against the formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad. Determined to bounce back, the home team will be looking to unleash their full potential and climb up the points table.

Meanwhile, the Royals have been on a roll, winning an impressive four out of their five matches. Despite a recent setback against the Gujarat Titans, they remain undeterred and will aim to reclaim their winning momentum, solidifying their position at the top of the points table.

As the two teams take the field, fans can expect an enthralling battle, with both sides hungry for victory. The Kings will be eager to capitalize on their home advantage, while the Royals will be determined to maintain their dominant streak. Regardless of the outcome, the match promises to be a showcase of exceptional cricketing talent and fierce competition, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.

Punjab Kings Preview

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have faced a rollercoaster ride in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season, with their performances oscillating between remarkable victories and heartbreaking defeats. Despite a middling performance from their batsmen and bowlers, the team’s resilience and never-say-die attitude have kept them in the hunt, albeit in the bottom half of the points table.

One of the standout moments for PBKS was their miraculous victory against the formidable Gujarat Titans. Staring at defeat for most of the game, a superb rear-guard action and explosive hitting from the lower order, particularly Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Rana, turned the tide in their favor. The duo’s remarkable partnership not only secured an improbable win but also showcased the team’s fighting spirit.

However, the euphoria was short-lived as they narrowly missed out on another victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, falling short by a mere two runs in a nail-biting encounter. While the lower order once again stepped up, their efforts were not enough to cross the finish line, highlighting the need for a more consistent performance from the top and middle orders.

The team’s top-order batsmen have struggled to provide flying starts during the powerplay overs, putting immense pressure on the middle order. Shikhar Dhawan’s scoring rate has been a concern, and the team desperately needs contributions from Sikandar Raza and Jitesh Sharma to build a solid foundation for the explosive lower order to capitalize on in the death overs.

On the bowling front, PBKS’ left-heavy attack has struggled to dictate terms, with only Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh consistently troubling the opposition batters. The other bowlers have struggled to make inroads, often finding themselves in the hitting zone, an area that needs immediate attention if PBKS aims to climb up the points table.

Rajasthan Royals Preview

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) kicked off their IPL 2024 campaign on a high note, securing four consecutive victories. They appeared poised for a five-match winning streak. Still, Gujarat Titans’ (GT) dynamic duo of Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia orchestrated an epic comeback in the death overs, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and handing the Royals their first loss of the season.

In their previous encounter, RR had to cope with the absence of their influential all-rounder, Nandre Burger. To bolster their spin attack, they welcomed Keshav Maharaj, forming a formidable trio alongside the experienced Ravichandran Ashwin and the wily Yuzvendra Chahal.

Unfortunately, Maharaj, making his Royals debut after being acquired from the Lucknow camp at the eleventh hour, struggled to make a significant impact on the game. Ashwin, too, had a forgettable outing, going wicketless while conceding 40 runs in his four-over spell. With just one scalp in five games, Ashwin’s form with the ball has become a major concern for the Royals as they approach their upcoming clash.

On a positive note, Kuldeep Sen was impressed in his first match of the season, bowling at a good pace and troubling the GT batters, eventually finishing with a three-wicket haul. However, the Royals’ batting woes persisted as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler failed to deliver once again.

After another top-order collapse, the onus fell on the shoulders of Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag, who stepped in and orchestrated a remarkable rescue act. Their 130-run partnership for the third wicket propelled the Royals beyond a respectable total, providing them with a fighting chance in the closely contested encounter.

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report:

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur is known for its well-balanced pitch. It tends to provide opportunities for both the batters and the bowlers. The captain who wins the toss may find it advantageous to elect to bat first at this venue and put on a big total.

PBKS vs RR Probable Playing XIs

Punjab Kings:

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Impact player – Prabhsimran Singh 

Rajasthan Royals:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Nandre Burger, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact player –  Kuldeep Sen

Probable Best Players of the Match

Probable Best Batter: Shikhar Dhawan

As the 27th match of the IPL 2024 approaches, all eyes will be on the captains and key players of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR). For PBKS, their skipper Shikhar Dhawan has been in sublime form, emerging as a potential standout batter in the upcoming clash.

With 174 runs under his belt in the last five matches, Dhawan has been instrumental in providing his team with solid starts, laying the foundation for their batting performances. Determined to put past results behind him, the seasoned opener will be keen on continuing his rich vein of form against the formidable Rajasthan Royals bowling attack.

Probable Best Bowler: Trent Boult

Royals boast the services of the ace Kiwi pacer, Trent Boult, who could well be the standout bowler in this highly anticipated encounter. Boult has been a revelation for RR, claiming five wickets in five matches and playing a pivotal role in their successful campaign thus far.

The Punjab Kings batters will undoubtedly be wary of Boult’s opening spell, as the left-arm quick has been nothing short of brilliant. Although he hasn’t fired on all cylinders in the last two games, Boult’s exceptional economy rate has been a testament to his consistency and ability to keep the opposition batters at bay.

PBKS vs RR Head-to-Head Record & Results

In the 26 PBKS vs RR head-to-head matches in IPL so far, it’s Rajasthan Royals that hold the advantage with 15 wins against Punjab Kings, who have won 11 times against the inaugural champions.  In the last 5 meetings as well, RR has a 3-2 edge against PBKS, including the most recent match in the 2023 season at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, where RR chased down 188 with 4 wickets and 2 balls to spare.

PBKS vs RR Head To Head Stats

Scenario 1

Punjab Kings win the toss and bat

Power Play score – 60-70

First Innings Score – 170-180

Rajasthan Royals win the match

Scenario 2

Rajasthan Royals win the toss and bat

Power Play score – 70-80

First Innings Score – 180-190

Rajasthan Royals win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.