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IPL 2023 Predictions: RR vs PBKS
After a terrific win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening match of IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals are all set to host Punjab Kings on April 5 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
The Shikhar Dhawan-led side PBKS defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by seven runs (DLS Method) in their opening match.
Batting at number three, Bhanuka Rajapaksa smashed 50 runs off 32 deliveries while Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma played quick cameos to help PBKS post 191 runs in 20 overs.
With the ball, youngster Arshdeep Singh was sensational as he absolutely destroyed KKR’s top order.
The Knight Riders scored 146/7, but rain interrupted the game, and they fell seven runs short of the target on the DLS method.
Arshdeep Singh bowled a match-winning spell by taking three wickets for 19, but debutant Sam Curran struggled as he picked one wicket while conceding runs at 12.7 per over.
Punjab’s bowling will be boosted with star pacer Kagiso Rabada’s availability, but they enter this game as the second favourite, having lost four of their last five encounters against Rajasthan Royals.
Also, Liam Livingstone wasn’t available for the first game as he didn’t get an NOC from the ECB.
He had suffered an injury for which he didn’t get clearance for fitness. As per sources, he would be available from this game.
At the same time, the Royal’s top order is on song at the moment.
Jos Buttler (54 off 22) gave them a perfect start in the last match while Yashasvi Jaiswal looked rock solid with 54 off 37 deliveries.
Later Sanju Samson too scored a half-century as Rajasthan posted 203 runs on board after 20 overs.
Spin wizard Yuzvendra Chahal impressed with the ball, taking a four-wicket haul.
Trent Boult picked up two wickets while KM Asif proved effective to plugging the runs.
RR vs PBKS Head-to-Head
Total Matches Played: 24
Rajasthan Royals Won: 14
Punjab Kings Won: 10
Tie: 0
No Result: 0
Rajasthan Royals Playing XI
Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, R Parag, KR Sen, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, SV Samson(C), Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal
Rest of squad: D Ferreira, DC Jurel, JE Root, Kunal Singh Rathore, Abdul Basith, AP Vasisht, Murugan Ashwin, KM Asif, KC Cariappa, OC McCoy, NA Saini, Kuldip Yadav, A Zampa, Sandeep Sharma
Punjab Kings Playing XI
Shikhar Dhawan(C), Shahrukh Khan, B Rajapaksa, Sikandar Raza, SM Curran, P Simran Singh, JM Sharma, Harpreet Brar, K Rabada, RD Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Rest of squad: JM Bairstow, Harpreet Singh, A Taide, Shivam Singh, LS Livingstone, R Dhawan, Rajangad Bawa, Mohit Rathee, Baltej Singh, Nathan Ellis, Vidhwath Kaverappa, MW Short
Pitch & weather conditions
The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati hosted the IND-SA game in October 2022 and saw both teams hitting 200.
This clearly indicates it’s a batting paradise.
Here, the variations by the bowlers will be key to taking wickets, otherwise they will get smashed all over the park.
Who will win
Rajasthan Royals look more balanced as a team compared to the Punjab Kings and they’ll start as the favourites to win this game.
RR have a formidable batting lineup consisting of players like Buttler, Samson, and Hetmyer.
Buttler, especially in red hot form. He scored 54 runs off just 22 deliveries in the first game against SRH.
He won the orange cap last year and started off this season in style as well.
Their pace attack is led by experienced international Trent Boult and they also have veteran spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal to bank on.
Hence, our experts believe RR will win.
BGT
Virat Kohli Risks Facing Rohit Sharma’s Challenges
Virat Kohli, India’s cricketing icon, finds himself under scrutiny for his reluctance to adapt and evolve his game. Comparisons with Rohit Sharma’s struggles have intensified after recent performances. Former head coach Ravi Shastri’s faith in Kohli’s ability to rise above challenges now faces questions.
Kohli’s incredible career has been defined by his aggression, consistency, and unmatched drive. However, recent matches suggest that he may need to modify his approach to address the evolving demands of international cricket. Experts argue that Virat Kohli risks facing the same trajectory as Sharma if he doesn’t embrace necessary changes.
Shastri has often expressed unwavering belief in Kohli’s leadership and batting prowess. Yet, Kohli’s resistance to altering his playing style raises concerns about his adaptability. This inflexibility could affect both his performance and India’s overall strategy.
Rohit Sharma’s case offers a cautionary tale. His difficulties stemmed from sticking to a rigid style that opponents exploited. Critics worry that Kohli’s refusal to learn could lead to a similar fate, tarnishing his legacy.
Kohli’s recent performances highlight his determination but also reveal areas needing improvement. To remain at the top, he must embrace versatility and counter new challenges effectively. With India’s cricket landscape evolving, the pressure to deliver as a senior player increases.
While Kohli’s fans and supporters remain hopeful, the debate over his adaptability continues to dominate discussions. Will he rise above criticism, or will his refusal to change impact his future? The answer lies in his willingness to introspect and innovate.
BGT
Bumrah Faces Sam Konstas After Usman Khawaja’s Dismissal
Jasprit Bumrah showcased his fiery competitive spirit during the fourth Test against Australia, engaging in a heated exchange with Sam Konstas. The dramatic moment unfolded shortly after Bumrah dismissed Australian opener Usman Khawaja with a brilliant delivery.
Khawaja had been a steady presence at the crease, but Bumrah’s sharp bowling ended his stay. The dismissal came amid rising tensions as Bumrah had earlier exchanged words with Konstas, who had taken a defiant stance.
As Khawaja departed, Jasprit Bumrah focused on Konstas, signaling his intent to dominate the Australian batting lineup. The fast bowler’s aggressive attitude reflected India’s determination to secure a strong position in the match.
The confrontation became a talking point as cricket fans debated the intensity of Bumrah’s approach. While some applauded his passion, others expressed concern about maintaining the sport’s spirit.
Konstas, facing Bumrah’s fiery pace, learned the challenges of handling one of the world’s most feared bowlers. The young Australian batter held his ground briefly but struggled against the relentless pressure.
Bumrah’s spell proved instrumental in tilting the game in India’s favor. His ability to consistently deliver under pressure solidifies his reputation as a match-winner.
India’s performance in this Test highlights the balance between aggression and discipline needed at the highest level. Bumrah’s actions underline his commitment to lead the bowling attack with skill and intensity.
This encounter also reflects the broader narrative of India-Australia rivalries, where high stakes and emotions often produce unforgettable cricketing moments.
As the game unfolded, Bumrah continued to deliver fiery spells, contributing significantly to India’s defense. His performance was a reminder of why he’s one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket.
This test match will be remembered for not just its high-level cricket but also the moments that ignited the rivalry and added a unique layer of intensity to the game.
CRICKET
Wolf777 Sponsors Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand 2024-25
Wolf777 has stepped up as the official sponsor for the Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25. This exciting Wolf777 sponsors highlights Wolf777’s commitment to fostering global sports and enhancing cricket’s reach among fans worldwide.
The tour promises a thrilling lineup of matches across formats, including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the face-off between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, two highly competitive teams. With Wolf777’s involvement, the series gains added prominence, ensuring widespread attention and engagement.
Wolf777’s sponsorship aims to connect fans and players through innovative promotions and interactive experiences. As a brand known for supporting sports, Wolf777 continues to establish itself as a key player in the cricketing world. This partnership underscores its dedication to promoting talent, teamwork, and the spirit of competition.
The matches will not only showcase the skills of the players but also bring an intense battle for supremacy. Fans can expect thrilling moments, as both teams aim to outperform each other in their quest for victory. Wolf777 sponsors backing adds a new dimension to the series, creating memorable experiences for fans across the globe.
This sponsorship also highlights the growing trend of gaming and entertainment companies collaborating with sports events to expand their global footprint. The Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25 stands as a testament to the synergy between sports and innovative brand partnerships.
As the series unfolds, cricket fans will witness not just high-quality matches but also the impactful presence of Wolf777, making the tournament even more special. This partnership ensures that the cricketing world is in for a treat, with unforgettable moments awaiting fans.
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