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Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL Tips - Pink visitors in good health to start well

By Sridhar Bhamidi

18 May 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 18 May 2023

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Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL match predictions to be played in Dharamsala on Friday, May 19 at 7:30pm IST
Rajasthan Royals have posted the highest powerplay score in 9 of their last 13 IPL matches
The Punjab Kings have struggled early, conceding the highest powerplay score in 7 of their last 10 IPL matches
Rajasthan average a tournament-high 56 runs in the powerplays this IPL campaign
Can Rajasthan end their season on a high?

Can Rajasthan end their season on a high? (Getty Images)

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL

One of Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals will be officially eliminated when the two play on Friday. This IPL match #66 will be played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala from 7:30pm IST.

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL
Head to Head
Punjab Kings Form
Punjab Kings Team News
Rajasthan Royals Form
Rajasthan Royals Team News

Even with a win, both teams will look for favourable results elsewhere to qualify. With three teams already above 14 and one team on 14, the winner here will hope that Mumbai Indians lose their final match to Sunrisers Hyderabad. That aside, there’s the little matter of net run rate, which is currently in the negative territory for Punjab and only marginally positive for Rajasthan.

I am backing the two hard-hitting teams to go strong in this match. My money is on Rajasthan Royals scoring more in the powerplay.

Rajasthan Royals have posted the highest powerplay score in 9 of their last 13 matches (IPL)
Punjab Kings have conceded the most runs in the first 6 overs in 7 of their last 10 matches (IPL)
Rajasthan Royals average a tournament-high 56 runs in the powerplays this season (IPL)
Punjab Kings concede an average of 55 runs per powerplay in this season with only Kolkata conceding more (IPL)

Head to Head

The 25 matches between these sides have seen 14 wins for Rajasthan and 11 victories for Punjab. Recent record also suggests the same with four wins and two losses for the Royals since 2020.

This season though, it was the Kings who won earlier by five runs when the sides met in Guwahati. A Shikhar Dhawan special (86*) meant the Kings posted 197 for 4, which the Royals couldn’t chase as they left the big hitting too late in the day.

Punjab Kings Form

Punjab Kings are 8th with 12 points from 13 matches. They lost to Delhi Capitals by 15 runs in their last match making it three losses over their last four matches.

It was a high-scoring thriller at this venue on Wednesday against Delhi that highlighted poor strategic nous of Punjab. Their middle-over scoring rate was very dire and Liam Livingstone’s charge was too late.

That puts the focus on the top-order with Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh expected to lead once again. They are Punjab’s only batters to aggregate more than 300 this season. With the ball, it has been an iffy season with only Arshdeep Singh (16) managing any sense of consistency.

Punjab Kings Team News

Kagiso Rabada could be swapped out for Sikandar Raza, strengthening both batting and bowling.

Rajasthan Royals Form

Rajasthan Royals are 6th in the standings with 12 points and a win will take them closer to the top-four. Yet, with at least four sides on 14 points the season could be all but over for them even with a win.

The Royals are coming off a 112-run drubbing at the hands of Bangalore that killed their run rate and their qualification chances. It was their fourth loss in five games, overpowering the good start they had.

Both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler got ducks in that loss, which was the game changer. The two openers have been their pillars aggregating at least 392 runs each. Bowling will once again look at Yuzvendra Chahal (21) who has been sterling for them.

Rajasthan Royals Team News

Trent Boult missed the last match but could be back here.

Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL FAQs

Where can I watch the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL live stream.

What time does Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL start?

This Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals IPL match is being played at the HPCA Cricket Stadium in Dharamsala at 7:30pm IST on Friday, May 19.

Verdict

Punjab Kings v Rajasthan Royals

Both teams are probably playing this game for pride, as even a win wouldn’t be sufficient to guarantee progress. That shouldn’t take the sheen off this context, which could entertain us with some big hits. I am backing Rajasthan Royals to start well and hit the most powerplay runs.

Rajasthan highest PP

@-111.11 - 3 Units

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