Can PBKS extend their dominance over CSK?
The IPL moves to the picturesque Dharamsala for the first time this season, with Punjab Kings aiming for a historic sixth consecutive victory against Chennai Super Kings.
Match Details:
- Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings
- Dharamsala, 10:00 AM GMT
Dominant Punjab Kings Look for More
Standing out in IPL history, Punjab Kings have the chance to become only the third team, alongside Mumbai Indians, to achieve six straight wins against CSK. Their winning streak began in 2021 and continued with a convincing seven-wicket win against CSK just days ago.
Despite a shaky home record at Mullanpur, they hope a change of scenery in Dharamsala will propel them towards a playoff berth.
CSK Seek Revival
Chennai Super Kings, though comfortable in the points table, haven’t been at their best lately. After early season victories, they’ve managed just one win in their last four outings. Even their toss luck hasn’t been favorable, with Ruturaj Gaikwad losing nine out of ten tosses this season.
A Look Back: Epic Dhoni Finish Haunts Dharamsala
CSK fans will recall a dramatic 2010 encounter at Dharamsala. Needing 16 runs in the final over against Kings XI Punjab (former name of PBKS), MS Dhoni smashed back-to-back sixes off Irfan Pathan to seal a thrilling victory with two balls to spare.
Recent Form and Expected Playing XIs:
- Punjab Kings: Won their last two (WWLLL)
- Probable XI: Prabhsimran Singh, Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Sam Curran (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar
- Chennai Super Kings: Inconsistent form (LWLLW)
- Probable XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube, Moeen Ali, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Mukesh Choudhary
Players in Spotlight:
- Harpreet Brar (PBKS): Despite only six wickets, his exceptional economy rate of 7.21 makes him a key bowler.
- Shivam Dube (CSK): CSK’s middle-order batting reliant on Dube, who has 350 runs at a strike rate of 171.56.
Key Stats:
- MS Dhoni struggles against Rabada, Chahar, and Harshal Patel but thrives against Curran and Arshdeep.
- Daryl Mitchell enjoys success against Arshdeep, while Rabada and Arshdeep have good records against Gaikwad.
- Jonny Bairstow fares well against Moeen Ali and Shardul Thakur but finds Jadeja challenging.
Pitch and Conditions:
Dharamsala has a history of high-scoring T20 matches. With an afternoon game and a predicted temperature of 27°C, expect another batting-friendly surface.