PBKS had defeated CSK in their previous match. At present, the net run-rate of Punjab Kings, after winning 2 in 3 matches, is running at 0.238. Talking about Gujarat, this new team has won both the matches it has played so far. Gujarat Titans has a net run-rate of 0.495.
This season of IPL 2022, we have easily seen 180 scores in the last two matches here. In the beginning, there will be little help for the fast bowlers, later it will be easier for the batsmen to score runs on this surface. If the bowlers do not pick up wickets in the beginning, then a big partnership can flourish.
Punjab has made a better name
After KL Rahul left the captaincy, not much was expected from the Punjab team this time. But after chasing a big target of 206 runs against Bangalore, Punjab declared to enter the arena with full force. Liam Livingstone is in destructive form and he has created panic in cricket leagues around the world. He will be a big plus point for the franchise. Livingstone scored 60 runs in 32 balls against CSK and also took two wickets.
On the basis of this performance, he won the Man of the Match award. Gujarat Titans would like to be careful with him.
Apart from him, all eyes will be on Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal. In Mayank’s case, it is seen that he is losing his wicket in the pursuit of a faster start. If he shows some patience in the beginning, then a big innings is not far away from him. The pair of Shahrukh Khan and Odeon Smith seems to be all set to score big runs in the middle order. Kagiso Rabada’s ability to bat in the lower order along with the stormy bowling makes him the gamechanger of Punjab Kings.
Pat Cummins Swings Hard, Breaks The Record Of Fastest 50 In IPL
Gujarat Titans have not lost a single match under the leadership of Hardik. GT have won two out of two matches this season and are on the third spot with four points. Opener Shubman Gill hinted at a return to form after scoring 84 off 46 balls in the last game against Delhi Capitals. Playing at a strike rate of 182, Gill’s batting showed class while hitting 6 fours and 4 sixes.
Apart from this, Gujarat’s bowling unit is also strong. Players like Mohammed Shami, Lockie Ferguson, Rashid Khan and Hardik Pandya know how to keep the momentum of the game in their favor with the help of bowling. Hardik, whose international career was considered over, is seen in a new avatar after becoming the captain. Taking advantage of his tall stature, Hardik is hitting the decks at a speed of over 140. The situation became such that in the last match, his bouncer hit the batsman’s helmet. Seeing this, it is felt that Hardik has made a comeback in the true sense.