IPL 2023: 3 Key Match-Ups to Watch-Out in PBKS VS RCB Match No.27

IPL 2023: The 27th game of the ongoing IPL 2023 will see Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squaring off against each other at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday, April 20. When it comes to the 30 matches between the two teams, Punjab Kings have won 17 out of 30 matches while Royal Challengers Bangalore have won only on 13 occasions.

PBKS are currently fifth in the points table with six points from five outings and they have been performing at an optimum level despite having injury concerns in the camp. Punjab Kings clinched a hard-fought win over the Lucknow Super Giants last time out. Sikandar Raza scored a match-winning half-century while Shahrukh Khan added the finishing touches in a fine display at the Ekana Stadium. Punjab Kings (PBKS) would be sweating over skipper Shikhar Dhawan’s injury at a time when they need all their firepower as the tournament heads into the middle phase.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore are coming off a humiliating loss against southern rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a high-scoring thriller. It was the bowling and lower-order batting that let down the Bangalore-based franchise as they first conceded a mammoth total in the first innings and then failed to capitalize on the start given by Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell. Mohali is a great venue for the batters. While the bowlers might struggle to contain runs. The unit looks good but they must put up an all-round performance.

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3) Virat Kohli vs Arshdeep Singh

With 220 runs in five games so far, Virat Kohli has been in sensational form in the tournament. One of the front runners for the IPL orange cap, Kohli, would be expected to put in yet another brilliant show with the bat in Mohali. His clash with Arshdeep Singh early on will be exciting to watch. Arshdeep Singh has emerged as the leading wicket-taker for PBKS with eight scalps in five matches at an economy of 8.29. With the new ball in hand, Arshdeep’s role will be to produce a fiery spell against the dangerous RCB batting unit. He hasn’t been dismissed yet, but having said that there’s always a first time.

2) Mohammed Siraj vs Prabhsimran Singh

The young Punjab opener Prabhsimran has blown hot and cold in IPL 2023, and he would look to bring some consistency to his game. However, in his way would be Mohammed Siraj in the Powerplay. Siraj has been relentless with the new ball for RCB. He is very accurate with his lines and lengths and makes it difficult for the top-order batters. Facing him would be a big challenge for someone like Prabhsimran Singh, who will have the responsibility to provide a brisk start to the team and grab the attention of the PBKS team management and fans. The right-handed batter will look to score huge and reinforce his side in further matches. Whereas Siraj will look to dismantle him in the powerplay.

1) Glenn Maxwell vs Sam Curran

Sam Curran has performed exceptionally with the ball in the tournament so far. In the previous outing, the 24-year-old all-rounder took three important wickets and conceded 31 in the four overs he bowled in PBKS’ previous outing. The PBKS all-rounder has been brilliant in the death overs. He will keep a lid on the RCB batting line-up, especially Glenn Maxwell. Curran has dismissed Maxwell once in T20 cricket. Maxwell has been in red-hot form with the bat. Against CSK, he smashed 76 runs off just 36 deliveries. This is a danger sign for PBKS bowlers but Curran would back himself to remove Maxwell.