The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 heats up as Punjab Kings (PBKS) lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 23rd match of the season. The encounter will be held tonight at 7:30 PM IST, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
Both teams find themselves in a similar position on the points table. The home team sits at number six with two wins and two losses, while the visitors occupy the fifth spot with a slightly better run rate.
The Punjab team enters the match on a high note, having secured a thrilling victory against Gujarat Titans (GT) in their previous outing. Their batting firepower is undeniable, with the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone capable of inflicting serious damage. The onus will be on the likes of Prabhsimran Singh and Jitesh Sharma to contribute alongside the hero of the last match, Shashank Singh, who stunned everyone with a blazing 61 off just 29 balls.
The Hyderabad team also heads into the clash with a win, defeating the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Their batting boasts a destructive top order with Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Aiden Markram consistently putting up strong performances. Their ability to provide explosive starts and strong finishes is a major threat to their opponents.
Bowling remains a cause for concern for both sides. Punjab’s death bowling woes are well documented, while SRH struggle with the new ball. Kagiso Rabada has been the standout performer for PBKS with six wickets, but inconsistencies from Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, and Rahul Chahar raise questions about their bowling depth. Hyderabad’s bowling attack, featuring Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has also been leaking runs.
Head-to-Head:
Historically, the tourists have dominated the head-to-head record against the hosts. In their 21 encounters, the Pat Cummins-led team has emerged victorious on 14 occasions, while Shikhar’s team has managed just seven wins. However, recent form and home advantage could potentially swing the momentum in favour of PBKS.
Where-to-Watch:
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