Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans face each other in match number 16 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season on Friday. The match is being held at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. PBKS have sealed two wins from three to collect four points so far. GT are unbeaten thus far, winning two out of two. They will want to extend the winning run.
This is a crucial game for both sides as they seek momentum in the early stages of the IPL 2022 campaign. Both teams have solid units on offer with a heavy pedigree in bowling. Whichever side bats well and gets the decisive edge can put the opposition side under pressure.
Analysis of Punjab
Punjab Kings have a solid batting unit and the right resources to hurt any side. Bhanuka Rajapaksa has been entertaining, to say the least. His aggression and ability to clear the ropes can be a boost. Punjab could be tempted to include Jonny Bairstow in the line-up in place of Odean Smith. This will bolster their batting, and perhaps they can add a bowler in to balance the side. With Bairstow in the ranks, the batting looks all the more sorted, especially the top four. PBKS need Shahrukh Khan to fire. They spent fortunes to retain his services.
In terms of bowling, Punjab have quality on offer. Kagiso Rabada spearheads the attack, which also has a consistent performer like Rahul Chahar. He has claimed six wickets this season. Together, the two can cause damage. Vaibhav Arora is a fresh addition to the line-up, and he excelled versus CSK. Arshdeep Singh needs to find a way to deliver the goods.
Analysis of GT
Two wins out of two see GT maintain a 100% record in the IPL 2022 season. They are the only side to remain unbeaten. GT will be keen to win another tie here to gain further impetus. Hardik Pandya has led the side well, which has a good mix of batting and bowling. The bowling, in particular, has been top-notch for GT. Mohammed Shami and Lockie Ferguson have led the way picking up crucial wickets. In Rashid Khan, GT have a proven spinner in the ranks. Rahul Tewatia can be counted upon as well.
The 84-run knock in the previous game will help someone like Shubman Gill. He needed the runs to gain confidence. However, GT’s top-order lacks bite, with both Matthew Wade and Vijay Shankar struggling. GT could re-jig the positions and try to find more substance. The roles of Hardik Pandya and David Miller are highly crucial and important for the side.
Head-to-head record
This will be the first meeting between the two teams.
What is the expected playing XI of both sides?
PBKS predicted playing XI: Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapakse, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Odean Smith/Jonny Bairstow, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Vaibhav Arora, Arshdeep Singh
GT predicted playing XI: Mathew Wade (wk), Shubman Gill, Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Rashid Khan, Varun Aaron, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami
Which team is the predicted winner?
PBKS looked more sound and sorted on paper. The return of Bairstow is a blessing. Expect PBKS to make an impact. Rabada and Chahar can be the difference makers. With the bat, their front four can make a real impact. GT are a decent side, but the issues in batting, especially at the top, can hurt them. We feel PBKS will pull off a win here and claim two points. GT can face a maiden defeat here.
Key details about the pitch, timing, and TV listing
The Brabourne Stadium pitch will assist batters and bowlers alike. Teams batting first will hope to score important runs. The Dew factor can be felt in the game. The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. Viewers can stream the same on the Disney+ Hotstar app (paid subscription). The match will start at 7:30 PM IST.
The major batting stats on offer
Rahul Chahar has claimed six wickets this season, giving away at just 5 runs per over. He owns 49 scalps in the IPL and needs one more to touch the 50-wicket mark. Shikhar Dhawan (5,876) needs 24 more to get past 5,900 runs. Shubman Gill, who has 1,501 runs in the IPL, aggregates 225 runs versus PBKS.
The major bowling stats on offer
In terms of bowling, Rashid Khan has a terrific record against PBKS. He has taken 18 scalps in 10 games versus Punjab. Rashid has 95 wickets in the IPL and needs three more to surpass Dale Steyn (97). Mohammed Shami has 84 wickets and needs two more to surpass Albie Morkel (85). Kagiso Rabada (78) needs two scalps to equal Irfan Pathan (80).
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Option 1)
Batsmen: Matthew Wade, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, David Miller
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Liam Livingstone
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Rahul Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Kagiso Rabada
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Option 2)
Batsmen: Matthew Wade, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, David Miller
All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Liam Livingstone
Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Rahul Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Kagiso Rabada
Dream11 Fantasy XI: Captain and vice-captain choices
Mohammed Shami: The veteran IPL star has been solid with the ball and brings immense value. He is a top performer who can be excellent both atop and at the death. Shami has claimed 5 wickets from two games already this season.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa: A sheer aggressive player, Rajapaksa has taken the IPL by storm with his power-hitting skills. He has scored valuable runs for Punjab in both games so far and the confidence factor will be riding high.
Dream11 fantasy: Vice-captain choices
Shubman Gill: The one batter is GT’s top-order, who looks sorted. He can be a real deal and anchor the innings. The previous innings knock of 84 will be of immense help for Gill as he will try to gain more impetus and give GT a solid start.
Rahul Chahar: The Indian spinner has been terrific this season. He has not only claimed wickets but also checked the flow of runs. Chahar is a crucial customer for PBKS, and his role will be important once again.