IPL 2021, PBKS vs RR preview: Teams look to up the ante in race for playoffs
The IPL 2021 is to continue smoothly in the UAE. Meanwhile, in Match 32, Punjab Kings locks horns against former champion Rajasthan Royals, as both struggles in the race for playoffs.
FollowThe Indian Premier League 2021 is already producing some magnificent cricket in all forms. As the tournament continues in the United Arab Emirates, in Match 32, Punjab Kings would be up against former champion Rajasthan Royals at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Both sides are placed in the bottom half of the table and are on similar terms, as they eye a win here to stay in contention for the playoffs. As for the same, we present the match preview and other details.
Team composition
Considering PBKS, it is powerful in terms of its bowling. However, its batting line-up is strong enough too to take out the opposition bowling attack. The focus would be on skipper KL Rahul, along with Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Moises Henriques, Nicholas Pooran and Mohammed Shami.
LIVE SCORECARD: IPL 2021 - PBKS vs RR
As for RR, it too is tide heavy on its bowling. However, the lack of enough star powers could haunt the side, especially with its top English players missing out. Nevertheless, a lot would depend on skipper Sanju Samson, along with David Miller, Chris Morris, Mustafizur Rahman, Liam Livingstone and Evin Lewis.
Current form
Both sides are on even terms. PBKS has played seven games and managed just three wins, placed seventh, while RR has played seven matches and won three, placed a spot above, on sixth.
Injury concerns
Fresh into the resumption, none of the sides has any injury concerns.
Catch all the IPL 2021 updates here
Head-to-head
The two sides have clashed on 22 occasions, with RR leading 12-10. Of the three games in UAE, RR leads 2-1, while it would be their maiden clash in Dubai.
Weather and pitch report
The weather in Dubai would be hot, with an expected temperature of 38 degrees and around 54%of humidity. The track would be even, assisting both batsmen and the bowlers, while the team winning the toss might look to bat first.
Probable XI
PBKS: KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Shah Rukh Khan/Sarfaraz Khan, Fabian Allen, Ravi Bishnoi, Chris Jordan, Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh/Harpreet Brar.
RR: Evin Lewis, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), David Miller, Riyan Parag, Anuj Rawat/Deepak Hooda, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Kartik Tyagi, Chetan Sakariya and Mustafizur Rahman.
ALSO READ:Â IPL 2021, KKR vs RCB-Â Meme fest breaks out as RCB gets shot out for 92 and loses by 9 wickets
Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Gayle, Agarwal, Sarfaraz- Gayle is the ideal man for an explosive start, while Agarwal can stabilise at number three. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz can consolidate in the middle-order.
Wicketkeepers: Samson, Rahul (vc)- Samson and Rahul, too, are perfect as openers and can juggle the space with Gayle. Also, Rahul exquisite form makes him the deputy skipper.
All-rounders: Morris (c), Hooda- Morris is a no-brainer here for his deadly bowling form, making him the skipper, while Hooda has been promising with the bat.
Bowlers: Shami, Rahman, Sakariya, Brar- An all-out pace attack with all four in decent form, especially Brar.
Match details
Date and day: September 21, 2021 (Tuesday)
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Time: 7.30 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
NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona
