IPL 2024 – Match 6, RCB vs PBKS Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Match?
RCB will have an upper hand in the match due to home advantage.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be taking on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 6th match of the IPL 2024. In the 17th edition of the league, the three-time runners-up will be up against a team that is looking for a change in fortunes in the league. While RCB have been able to perform well in the last four seasons, it has been a while since PBKS last qualified for the playoffs of a season.
RCB did not have a great start to the season in the IPL 2024. They lost to CSK in their fortress by six wickets. The game against PBKS would be important for them as it will be the first home game for the 2016 runners-up.
Both the teams have some of the best players in the world, like Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Faf Du Plessis, Cameron Green, Mohammad Siraj, Shikhar Dhawan, Sam Curran, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, and so on.
What to expect?
RCB batters struggled to put up a competitive score in their last game, fueling their determination to deliver a stronger performance with the bat. Meanwhile, PBKS showcased solidity across all facets in their previous match and are keen on maintaining their momentum. The batters will enjoy the true nature of the wicket. They will get full value for their shots, and runs will be available.
Toss Prediction
The match is set to take place at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The wicket has the reputation of being one of the flattest, with little to no assistance for the bowlers whatsoever. The boundaries are short as well, and it is heaven for the batters. Bowlers have a difficult time containing runs in the middle. There will also be a dew factor, which means that the team winning the toss might look to bowl, as the wicket is likely to get better with the progression of the game.
Strengths and Weaknesses
RCB’s Strengths:
Faf du Plessis started brilliantly against the Chennai Super Kings. He looked in good touch but could not convert it into something. On a wicket that will favour the batters, du Plessis will be a crucial player for RCB. Virat Kohli started off steadily in the previous game. However, he could not leave the impact that he is known for. But on a wicket where he will get the full value for his shots, Virat Kohli will be an important asset to the team.
RCB’s Weaknesses:
West Indies seamer Alzarri Joseph went for 38 runs in 3.4 overs in the opening match against CSK in Chennai. Joseph’s lacklustre outing is set to pave the way for one of Lockie Ferguson and Reece Topley in the XI. With the might of his extra pace, Ferguson could come into the scheme of things on Monday. Moreover, the spin department comprising Mayank Dagar, Karn Sharma, and Glenn Maxwell failed to capitalize on the pitch condition, managing only middling figures of 37 for one in five overs. Their inability to trouble the batters effectively underscored the need for a more strategic approach in the upcoming matches.
PBKS Strengths:
The Punjab Kings have a solid top order. Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, and Prabhsimran Singh will be key players in how PBKS performs in the game. Sam Curran looked good with the bat in the previous match. He is also a handy bowler when he finds rhythm. Barring the top order, PBKS has a powerhouse in Liam Livingstone. He looked in good rhythm too in the previous game.
PBKS Weaknesses:
In this edition of IPL, the Punjab bowling unit is quite fast-bowler-heavy. The squad is seriously lacking the presence of experienced spinners. They will mainly rely on Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Sam Curran, Rahul Chahar, Harshal Patel, and Harpreet Brar. Besides these players, the Punjab side has to choose from tough players like Nathan Ellis, Vidwath Kaverappa, Tanay Thyagarajan, and others.
Conclusion
Since the start of 2018, teams have scored at 9.42 per over at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the highest scoring rate at any venue that has hosted at least five IPL games. Don’t expect anything different on Monday. In a batting heaven like M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, we shouldn’t expect much from the bowlers. Yet both teams are expected to give a fierce fight to remain one step ahead in the journey to the playoffs.”
