This event has expired GGPoker Bonus Code

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL Tips - Visitors likely to go big bang in the first six

By Sridhar Bhamidi

18 Apr 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 18 Apr 2023

Share this article

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL match predictions to be played in Mohali on Thursday, April 20 at 3:30pm IST
Punjab Kings have conceded the most powerplay runs in their last 2 IPL matches
Royal Challengers Bangalore have posted the highest powerplay score in their last 5 IPL matches
Royal Challengers Bangalore have scored the most powerplay runs in 3 of their last 4 IPL matches at this venue against Punjab Kings
Can Royal Challengers Bangalore move away from being a top-heavy side and improve their fortunes in IPL 2023?

Can Bangalore do better than just being the top-heavy batting side? (Getty Images)

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL

A chance to move closer to the top spot reckons for Punjab Kings as they welcome a stuttering Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2023. This match #27 will be played at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on Thursday, April 20 from 3:30pm IST.

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL
Head to Head
Punjab Kings Form
Punjab Kings Team News
Royal Challengers Bangalore Form
Royal Challengers Bangalore Team News

Punjab were able to halt a two-game losing run and will hope that a return to home conditions will come in handy. Bangalore on the other hand have been playing one step forward and two steps backward. The top-heavy hitting of Bangalore could once again be the difference. I am backing Royal Challengers Bangalore to score more in the first 6 overs.

Punjab Kings have conceded the highest partnership of the match in their last 3 matches (IPL)
Punjab Kings have conceded the highest powerplay runs in their last 2 matches (IPL)
Royal Challengers Bangalore have posted the highest partnership of the match in 4 of their last 5 matches (IPL)
Royal Challengers Bangalore have posted the highest powerplay score in each of their 5 matches in this season (IPL)
Royal Challengers Bangalore posted the highest powerplay score in 3 of their last 4 matches against Punjab Kings at this venue (IPL)

Head to Head

There have been 30 matches between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL. It is the Punjab side that has an edge winning 17 and losing only 13. Furthermore, they have won five of the last six matches between these teams.

That included winning both matches last season. They won the first one by five wickets chasing down 206 in 19 overs before restricting Bangalore in the second to win by 54 runs.

Punjab Kings Form

Punjab Kings have six points from five matches with three wins and two losses. They are coming off a tight two-wicket win over Lucknow where they won it late.

It is their captain Shikhar Dhawan who has been the bedrock of Punjab’s batting scoring 233 runs at a SR of 146.54. Bowling has been about Arshdeep Singh’s eight wickets while the likes of Sam Curran and Nathan Ellis chipped in.

The glaring absence of any batter taking the responsibility has been a negative for Punjab who could be found out in that aspect.

Punjab Kings Team News

Shikhar Dhawan sat out the last game with a niggle and could be back for this match. All eyes will be on Liam Livingstone as both the players will undergo fitness test 24 hours before the game.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Form

Royal Challengers Bangalore have four points from five matches with two wins and three losses. They are coming off an eight-run loss to Chennai Super Kings at home.

The problem for Bangalore is that all their runs are more or less scored by Faf du Plessis (259), Virat Kohli (220) and Glenn Maxwell (176). Bowling has been led by Mohammed Siraj (eight) but with Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga conceding at more than ten runs per over, the bowling is looking listless at the death.

The challenge for Bangalore is to find the players who can rise up to the occasion and play along with the top-order.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Team News

Bangalore look short in the batting department which could see Mahipal Lomror swap places with Suyash Prabhudessai or Anuj Rawat.

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL FAQs

Where can I watch the Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL live stream.

What time does Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL start?

This Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL match is being played at the PCA Stadium in Mohali at 3:30pm IST on Thursday, April 20.

Verdict

Royal Challengers Bangalore have been a very top-heavy side this tournament, enjoying the starts by Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. There is a strong chance that it could once again be the case here as Punjab Kings may lose the battle of powerplay. I am backing Royal Challengers Bangalore to score more in the first 6 overs.