The GT vs PBKS IPL 2024 match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, April 4. The match starts at 19.30 IST and it is already the third match of Gujarat Titans at home. Heading into this game, Gujarat Titans are fourth in the points table while Punjab Kings are eighth. The Kings are on a two-game losing streak, losing against RCB and LSG.
Team analysis
Gujarat Titans
The Titans won their previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad chasing 163 to win. Sai Sudharsan and David Miller led the chase. The match was organized by the bowlers led by Mohit Sharma who took three wickets. The likes of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai and Umesh Yadav also contributed wickets.
The GT bowling attack has a lot of variety and options, which is the real strength of the attack. Ideally, Shubman Gill would be fit soon. He has averaged just 25 in the first three games.
Kings of Punjab
The Kings won their season opener against Delhi Capitals. They then lost consecutive matches against RCB and LSG. From very early in the tournament, the team’s weakness has been exposed. The batting lineup seems to depend on Shikhar Dhawan. He has scored 137 runs so far this season at an average of 45. The rest of the batsmen are yet to hit form.
The bowling line-up looks good, but they are not in form yet. Kagiso Rabada, Sam Curran and Arshdeep Singh have four wickets each and Harpreet Brar has three. Harshal Patel is yet to master his deadly bowling skills and Rahul Chahar has not backed up Brar.
Key factors
The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch has been slower. The team that batted first could not score more than 170. The Titans themselves scored 168 in the first game and chased 163 in the last game. The field is expected to remain largely the same for this GT vs PBKS contest.
Form and fitness
There are concerns with Liam Livingstone for Punjab Kings. He had trouble running in the previous game due to a hamstring injury. It will be interesting to see if he plays against the Titans. There are no injury concerns with the Titans.
Overall, Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan are finding form. Punjab’s pace attack is looking for form along with Rahul Chahar. The GT bowling attack is in good shape as a whole.
Tactical insight
Gujarat Titans have won a match by chasing and defending at this venue. With bat and ball they have the experience and players to play their role to perfection. Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan needs to identify the team’s strength ahead of this almost must-win clash.
Score prediction
Team 1st innings 2nd innings Gujarat Titans 160-180 140-160 Punjab Kings 140-160
150-160
Recent venue records (Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad)
IPL matches played 29
Games won by batting first 14
Matches won batting seconds 15
Matches won Winning draw 13
Games Won Losing Pitching 16
Matches without result 0
1st Inns average score 160
Average score for 2nd Inns 137
Who will score the most runs for PBKS: Shikhar Dhawan / Sam Curran
Who will take most wickets for PBKS: Arshdeep Singh / Harpreet Brar
Who will score the most runs in GT: Shubman Gill / David Miller
Who will take most wickets for GT: Mohit Sharma/Rashid Khan
GT vs PBKS Match Prediction: Who will win today’s IPL match? IPL 2024, match 17
The two teams have played three matches in total, with the Titans winning two and the Punjab Kings one. This game is at the Titans’ home and therefore they have an advantage heading into the contest.
Conclusion
The Titans won the only game played between the two teams last year. Overall, they lead the head-to-head tally 2-1. Punjab Kings, after back-to-back losses, find themselves in a must-win situation in this game.
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