IPL 2024 – Match 27, PBKS vs RR Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Match?

Punjab Kings will face Rajasthan Royals in the 27th match of IPL 2024. The match will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, starting at 7:30 PM IST on April 13th.

Rajasthan Royals started their season strong with four consecutive wins, nearly extending their streak to five. However, a stunning late-game comeback by Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia led Gujarat Titans to victory, handing the Royals their first loss of the season. Nandre Burger missed the last match, and Keshav Maharaj stepped in to form a spin trio alongside Ashwin and Chahal.

A remarkable display of resilience and aggressive hitting from the lower order, particularly from Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Rana, enabled Punjab Kings to secure a stunning victory against the Gujarat Titans after being on the back foot for most of the game. 

The pair teamed up again to achieve another notable win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the next match but narrowly lost by 2 runs in a game where a victory seemed out of reach. The top-order’s struggles to provide strong starts during the powerplay put significant pressure on the upper middle order.

What to expect?

The pitches at this venue have consistently favoured batting. The lowest total posted this season while batting first was 174, and while chasing, it was 180. Both matches went down to the wire, extending until the final over.

Therefore, we anticipate another thrilling contest if both teams perform up to their potential.

PBKS vs RR Toss Prediction

In both games played at this venue, Punjab Kings won the toss and chose to bowl first. They successfully chased down a target against Delhi Capitals and nearly secured a second consecutive win.

As a result, both teams are likely to prefer bowling first, as chasing has proven to be more favourable at this ground.

PBKS vs RR Strengths & Weaknesses

PBKS Strengths

The lower middle order or the finishers were a part of serious concern for the PBKS management and were finally resolved after the finds of two gems, Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. Both the Indian batters have dominated the bowlers in both the matches against GT and against SRH too.

PBKS Weaknesses

Punjab Kings’ bowling attack is heavily reliant on left-arm bowlers, but they have struggled to assert control with the ball. Aside from Rabada and Arshdeep, other bowlers have found it challenging to break through the opposition’s batting order and are often targeted for big hits.

Harpreet Brar has been less economical this season, while Sam Curran has conceded runs at an economy rate of over 10.

RR’s Strengths

Kuldeep Sen, the Indian pacer, has been the find of the season for the RR’s management. He took 3 wickets in the last match against GT and was economical too.

Batting of RR this season is being heavily carried by Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson. Both batters took RR to a great fighting total because of the 100-run partnership between the two.

RR’s Weaknesses

In batting, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 700 plus runs in the Test series against England, has been ineffective this season. The young Indian batter has failed to leave his mark this season with just only one 10-plus score of 24 this season.

Along with him in RR’s bowling, Ravichandran Ashwin has also disappointed this season. The spin wizard has been able to take only one wicket in his 5 games this season and has also been slightly expensive with an economy nearing 9.

Conclusion

The upcoming match between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals at the MYSI Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur promises to be an exciting contest. Both teams are looking to capitalize on the batting-friendly pitch and put up a high-scoring game.

Both teams’ bowling attacks will be tested, particularly in the powerplay and death overs. The Royals will need their top performers to step up, while the Kings must address their bowling inconsistencies. The toss could play a crucial role, as teams prefer to bowl first and chase successfully at this venue.

Overall, this match could come down to the wire, with both teams keen to showcase their best and earn a critical victory. Expect a thrilling contest filled with tight moments and high-energy play from both sides.