IPL 2021: RCB vs PBKS Preview – Bangalore aim to comfirm their playoffs qualification

Royal Challengers Bangalore are all set to meet Punjab Kings in the IPL 2021 league match on October 3. The two teams are in quite a different position in terms of stability and ranking in the points table. Bangalore is coming into this match after having two straightforward wins against Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. They have won seven out of their 11 matches and need just a win to secure their playoff spot.

Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have won five out of their 12 matches and desperately need a win in this game to keep their chances of making it to the playoffs alive. They have a win against Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous match, which would be a confidence booster for them. This one is expected to be another low-scoring affair in Sharjah, which has been the case in the last few games here.

Head to head

Match Info

IPL 2021 Match 48 – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Team News:

Royal Challengers Bangalore: George Garton was brought into the XI in the last game after Kyle Jamieson’s slight up and down form. The left-arm seamer bowled fairly well on his debut and might have done enough to secure another game for himself. Dan Christian finally had an impact after playing a significant number of matches. He took one wicket in his two overs. He can also retain his spot. AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell pick themselves in this XI. The Indian set-up has been consistent in this RCB unit and they should continue with the same set of players.

Punjab Kings: KL Rahul had to make the tough call of dropping Harpreet Brar from the XI in the previous game in order to fill in one overseas slot. The welcome addition of Shahrukh Khan turned out to be quite fruitful as the right-handed batter helped Punjab to finish the total. The only way Brar can make a comeback is if the franchise decides to go for only three overseas players. Considering Fabian Allen, the fourth overseas pick didn’t get a lot of runs and ended up giving 38 runs in his four overs, he might be dropped. The rest of the XI should be the same and Punjab doesn’t make too many changes once they get a win.

Probable XI