While destiny is not of their fingers, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will push for a win in a bid to marginally keep alive within the race for the IPL (Indian Premier League) playoffs after they face off on the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium right here on Friday.
Tied on 12 factors with one league match remaining, PBKS and RR’s horizons have conspicuously converged.
Both groups misplaced steam within the latter half of the match after beginning off promisingly. PBKS conceded 5 200-plus totals in its final seven video games whereas RR has did not defend two totals in extra of 200 of late.
Given that greater than 400 runs have been aggregated on the venue within the Kings’ 15-run defeat to Delhi Capitals two nights in the past and that each groups have a penchant for giant totals, the aspect batting first will chorus from complacency.
PBKS’ thrilling five-run win whereas defending 197 in opposition to RR earlier within the match is now a distant reminiscence.
However, contemporary in RR’s conscience will likely be its humiliating capitulation in opposition to Royal Challengers Bangalore when it was bundled out for 59 – the season’s lowest rating and the third-lowest within the match’s historical past.
Its openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler did not open their account in that recreation however can have their tails up in opposition to PBKS’ bowling, which has been toothless within the PowerPlay. Kings’ shaky high order, in the meantime, will likely be cautious of Trent Boult, who ought to return to the aspect on a pacer-friendly wicket.
PBKS spinners Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar will likely be key in tying up RR’s wobbly middle-order, which has notably struggled in opposition to the tweakers.
Plundering and leaking runs on the dying have been tropes for each groups these days and that is the place their fates may decisively converge.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com