IPL 2021, RCB vs PBKS preview: Can Punjab delay Bangalore's run for playoffs?
By Ayush Gupta | First Published Oct 2, 2021, 3:00 PM ISTRoyal Challengers Bangalore looks favourite to seal its IPL 2021 playoffs spot. However, it could face a delay as it takes on an unpredictable Punjab Kings in Sharjah on Saturday.
In another thrilling encounter, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) would be up against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 48 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Sunday. It would be a crucial game for both sides, as a win for RCB would seal its playoffs berth, while a loss would allow PBKS to stay in contention. Here is the match preview of this thrilling encounter.
Current form
RCB has been in commendable form, winning seven games out of 11 and is placed third. As for PBKS, it is ranked fifth, having won five from 12.
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Team composition
RCB has a highly credible bowling attack, as it consists of plenty of star power. Contrastly, its batting has become highly inconsistent, lacking enough star power and has been massively reliant on skipper Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.
As far as PBKS is concerned, it too has a prolific bowling attack. Anyhow, its batting, too, has been outstanding of late, thanks to credible star power. The likes of skipper KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Mohammed Shami would again draw the attention.
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Injury concerns: None of the sides has any significant injury concerns.
Head-to-head
The two teams have played together on 27 occasions, with PBKS controlling a lead of 15-12. Of the three United Arab Emirates (UAE) clashes between the two, PBKS has a clean sweep of 3-0, including a match in Sharjah.
Weather and pitch report
The Sharjah weather is expected to be warm, with a temperature of around 38 degrees and 47% humidity. The track would be sluggish, while it would be the shorter boundaries that would aid the batters.
Probable XI
RCB: Virat Kohli (c), Devdutt Padikkal, KS Bharat (wk), Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (wk), Dan Christian, George Garton, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammad Siraj and Navdeep Saini.
PBKS: KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Deepak Hooda, Shahrukh Khan, Fabian Allen, Nathan Ellis, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh.
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Fantasy XI
Batters: Kohli, Agarwal, Hooda, Shahrukh, Padikkal- Kohli, Agarwal and Padikkal would dominate the top order, while Hooda and Shahrukh would do the same in the middle.
Wicketkeeper: Rahul (c)- Rahul has been in a domitable form, making him a no-brainer in this department and the skipper.
All-rounders: Maxwell, Garton - Maxwell has contributed heavily to each department, making him the deputy skipper, while Garton has started well in both.
Bowlers: Harshal, Arshdeep, Ellis- The pace trio have been deadly and are a must-have here.
Match details
Date and day: October 3, 2021 (Sunday)
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Time: 3.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
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