IPL 2023: 3 Key Match-Ups to Watch-Out in PBKS VS MI Match No.45

IPL 2023: Get ready for an action-packed match as the Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI) lock horns once again in a thrilling reverse fixture of the IPL 2023. This exciting encounter is scheduled to take place at the picturesque PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, where both teams will leave no stone unturned to secure a victory. PBKS managed to clinch a win in their previous face-off against MI at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, making this upcoming match a highly anticipated one for fans of both teams. The MI squad will be looking to bounce back and redeem themselves after their previous loss, while PBKS will be seeking to continue their winning streak against their formidable opponents. With both teams loaded with star-studded players and talented cricketers, this match promises to be an absolute cracker.

Punjab Kings began their IPL 2023 campaign on a high note, clinching a victory against KKR in their opening game at home. However, the team faced a tough time in their subsequent matches at Mohali, suffering three consecutive defeats. As they prepare to take on their opponents in the upcoming match, it becomes even more critical for them to secure a win in their quest for a playoff spot. To achieve this, Punjab Kings will heavily rely on their skilled bowling duo of Arshdeep Singh and Sam Curran, who must deliver an outstanding performance.

IPL 2023: Performances of the Teams in the Season

Despite Kagiso Rabada’s recent lackluster performance, it is essential not to replace him with Nathan Ellis. Leg-spinner Rahul Chahar is expected to play a crucial role as the team’s talisman, striving to secure a breakthrough in the middle overs. The team’s batting lineup will be led by the dynamic opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh, who has the potential to provide Punjab with a quick start. The middle order, bolstered by the likes of Atharva Taide and Liam Livingstone, plays a pivotal role in consolidating their position. The recent form of Jitesh Sharma renders him a dependable finisher, further enhancing the team’s chances of success.

Mumbai Indians will undoubtedly be on cloud nine following their remarkable win over the Rajasthan Royals, where they chased down a monumental target of 213 runs, the highest ever at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite their win, MI’s top-order struggles have persisted. Rohit Sharma failed to reach a double-digit score for the second time in a row, while Ishan Kishan also wasted a promising start. This has made their opening partnership a vulnerable area that bettors have been exploiting during IPL 2023.

MI’s middle-order batsmen Tilak Varma and Cameron Green will once again be instrumental in stabilizing the innings. Suryakumar Yadav’s excellent form has been a silver lining for the Mumbai-based team. Piyush Chawla has been the standout bowler for the Indians, picking up 13 wickets, and a strong contender for the coveted Purple Cap at this stage in his career. With the team relying heavily on their batsmen, especially the openers, and fast bowlers to deliver, MI will be looking to put up a more substantial performance in their next match in Mohali.

IPL 2023: Top Player Battles to Keep an Eye on in PBKS VS MI Game

3) Cameron Green vs Rahul Chahar

MI’s all-rounder has been performing exceptionally well this season, being the second-highest run-scorer for the team with 243 runs in eight innings. He has two fifties to his name, maintaining a strike rate of 152.83 and an average of 48.60. In the previous match against Rajasthan Royals, he scored a remarkable 44 off 26 balls, including two sixes and four fours.

He would be hoping to replicate a similar performance in the upcoming game against PBKS. In contrast, leg-spinner Rahul Chahar has had a relatively quiet season, picking up only three wickets in nine matches and being expensive. The leg-break bowler would need to improve and perform better in the upcoming matches to contribute significantly to the team’s success.

2) Liam Livingstone vs Piyush Chawla

Livingstone has showcased glimpses of his talent both with the bat and ball. Despite his inconsistent play, he remains one of the most explosive batters in the IPL, boasting a strike rate of over 150. He played a crucial 40-run inning off just 24 balls in the recent game against CSK, which ultimately helped his team secure the win. Following his match-winning performance, Punjab Kings will be hoping that their England star can continue his good form in the upcoming match against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023.

Meanwhile, Piyush Chawla has been in top form this season, with his variations proving too much for most IPL batters. Known for his aggressive bowling style, Chawla has earned numerous accolades during his time with Mumbai Indians. Livingstone will likely target the veteran leg spinner in the middle overs, and the outcome of this matchup could potentially impact the result of the game.

1) Rohit Sharma vs Arshdeep Singh

Rohit Sharma has struggled to perform well in the current season of the IPL. He has participated in eight games, scoring just 184 runs. The 36-year-old is eager to improve his form and exhibit his batting prowess in the upcoming match. His strategy is to capitalize on the powerplay and attack the bowlers from the first ball. However, Sharma will have to face a tough challenge against Punjab’s left-arm seamer, Arshdeep Singh, who has been their most consistent bowler since his debut.

The PBKS pacer has been in sensational form this season, taking 15 wickets in nine innings at an average of 19.66. He had a decent outing against CSK, returning with figures of 1/37 in his four-over spell. He will aim to perform better against MI, the same team against whom he had picked up 4/29 earlier in the season. The battle between Rohit Sharma and Arshdeep Singh will be fascinating to watch as Singh has managed to silence Sharma to some extent in their previous encounters.