The match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be a do-or-die affair in HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala on May 19 to stay alive in the race to qualify for the playoffs of IPL 2023. Notably, both teams lost their last match and eventually jeopardized their position in the points table. However, a win can keep them in the race but the net run rate will eventually play a huge role and decide their fate in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan lost their last game by a massive margin of 112 runs, as the Sanju Samson-led side got bundled out for 59 runs. Thus, their batters will have to step up big time, while bowlers have a lot of room for improvement as well. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been inconsistent in the season and they lack quality Indian pacers in the mix. Sandeep Sharma has done a good job but consistency has been a massive factor.

When it comes to the home side, Liam Livingstone played a scintillating knock in the last match, scoring 94 runs off just 48 deliveries. However, his power-hitting could not help the Shikhar Dhawan-led side as they were defeated by 15 runs. In their next match, the bowlers will have to step up as they conceded 213 runs against DC while the skipper will have to take much more responsibility with the bat.

Match Details:

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, Match 66, IPL 2023

Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala

Date & Time: Friday, May 19, 7:30 PM IST

Telecast & Streaming Details: Star Sports Network and JioCinema

HPCA Stadium Pitch Report batting or bowling:

The surface at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is a batting paradise. Anything close to 200 will be a good score and bowling first will be ideal as dew can play a huge part in the latter half of the match.

PBKS vs RR Probable Playing XIs

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Arshdeep Singh

Rajasthan Royals (RR):

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (wk/c), Joe Root, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Adam Zampa, Sandeep Sharma, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal

PBKS vs RR Probable Best Performers

Probable best batter

Yashasvi Jaiswal:

Youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal is in phenomenal form in the ongoing IPL 2023, smashing 575 runs in 13 matches. With that, he is currently third in the IPL 2023 Orange Cap race and in the final league game, the Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer will try to create an impact and make a difference in the match.

Probable best bowler

Yuzvendra Chahal:

Spin wizard Yuzvendra Chahal picked up 21 wickets in 13 matches so far in the competition. Despite so, his consistency is a matter of concern but nevertheless, the cricketer on his day can destroy any batting unit in the world.

Today's Match Prediction: Chasing team to win the match

Check here 👉 PBKS vs RR Dream11 Team Prediction

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

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