
Match 6 of RCB vs PBKS IPL 2024 will be played in Bengaluru on Monday, March 25. The match starts at 7.30 pm IST. This is the first of three home matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the first half of the schedule that has been announced.
RCB comes into this match after losing their first match against CSK. Kings of Punjabon the other hand, they managed to win the northern derby against Delhi Capitals by four wickets while chasing 175 at the new Mullanpur stadium.
Team analysis
Royal challengers from Bangalore
The batsmen in the first game managed to take the target beyond 170 at the Chepauk. However, the bowlers leaked runs as Chennai Super Kings managed to reach the score. The weakness in RCB’s bowling line-up was exposed in the first game by Chennai Super Kings. Playing at home now they have to address the issue.
They play three matches at home and will therefore have to decide their bowling combination. While RCB have always been a good batting team, they have always found it difficult to play the right bowling combination. At one point they had Yuzvendra Chahal, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel and Josh Hazlewood in their ranks.
Kings of Punjab
They made a reasonably good start with the ball. The Kings bowlers took Capitals wickets at regular intervals and managed to restrict the opposition to a reasonable total. Barring Harshal Patel’s run of 24 against Abishek Poel, Punjab’s players had things under control.
With the bat, Sam Curran finally stood up and scored his third fifty for the Kings as he anchored the chase. Overall, it was a good outing and the team needs to build from here. A favorable head-to-head record against RCB could give the visitors confidence at the Chinnaswamy.
Key factors
Field conditions
Historically, Chinnaswamy Stadium has been a batting friendly ground over the years and has remained true to its nature. The ball comes to the bat quickly and makes stroke play easier. Dozens of 200-plus have been posted and chased regularly. This is among the best six-hitters in the IPL. Furthermore, this is a persecution ground. It will be interesting to see what kind of field is prepared for the first game.
Form and fitness
There are no injury concerns from either team. There were no casualties in either match as the players looked fit and in good shape. Form-wise, Virat Kohli’s form will be key, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching. There have been reports that the BCCI is not willing to consider him for the ICC event. However, a good IPL season might make them think otherwise. He scored 20 off 21 balls against CSK.
Score prediction
Equipment | First entry | 2nd entry |
Royal challengers from Bangalore | 200-220 | 180-200 |
Kings of Punjab | 180-200 | 200-220 |
Tactical insight
For captains Shikhar Dhawan and Faf du Plessis, limiting the damage to the Chinnaswamy Stadium is the biggest concern. The ball travels long and far on the spot and therefore players from both teams must bowl in a narrow line and length.
Recent venue records (Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru)
IPL matches played 88
Games won batting first 37
Games won batting second 47
Matches won Winning shot 47
Games Won Losing Pitching 37
Matches without result 4
Average score for 1st Inns 141
Average score for 2nd Inns 136
Who will score the most runs for RCB: Virat Kohli /Faf du Plessis
Who will take most wickets for RCB: Karn Sharma/Mohd Siraj
Who will score the most runs for PBKS: Shikhar Dhawan / Sam Curran
Who will take most wickets for PBKS: Arshdeep Singh / Harshal Patel
RCB vs PBKS Match Prediction: Who will win today’s IPL match? IPL 2024, match 6
Punjab have won five matches in Chinnaswamy, while RCB have six. Both teams have a fairly even record at the venue and therefore picking an outright winner will be difficult. This is the first match between the two teams at the venue since IPL 2019.
Conclusion
In total, in 31 matches between the two teams, Punjab Kings have won 17 matches, while RCB has won 14. The Bengaluru franchise would like to take advantage of their home-field advantage to win the contest.
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