Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who are among the most consistent teams at this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) who have been among the most inconsistent, losing four out of their six matches.
RCB have won five of the six matches they have played with their only loss coming against Chennai Super Kings.
They are coming off a close one-run win against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday. The win took them to 10 points.
In contrast, PBKS are in poor shape. Their batting has been failing. West Indian superstar Chris Gayle hasn’t got runs under his belt while skipper KL Rahul too hasn’t been in top form.
Mayank Agarwal got a few scores recently but PBKS haven’t seen two or three of their batsmen score big together in one match.
PBKS’ bowling though has been impressive. But the RCB batting line-up will provide a massive challenge to them. With the likes of Devdutt Padikkal, skipper Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell in the batting line-up, the PBKS bowlers will be tested.
The Punjab franchise needs to win desperately to enter the second phase of the tournament on a high.
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
Strengths:
• Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers in tremendous form
• Always hope from the talented Devdutt Padikkal
Weaknesses:
• Virat Kohli is performing inconsistently.
• Siraj was expensive in the last match
PUNJAB KINGS
Strengths:
• Henriques and Shami.
• Ravi Bishnoi’s magic.
Weaknesses:
• Batsmen not doing to their potential.
• Fielding is not up to the mark