CSK vs PBKS | Chennai Super Kings Vs Punjab Kings Timeline
Punjab Kings have shown improved form in their last two matches after suffering an early-season setback, and will look to build upon that momentum and secure their playoff place on the points table.
They face a difficult test as they travel to Chepauk and face Chennai Super Kings, hoping they can stage an unlikely comeback against them.
CSK vs PBKS
CSK looks to rebound after their heartbreaking defeat at Chepauk when they face off against Punjab Kings, who have seen remarkable improvement and are only one win away from locking up a playoff berth.
This match-up is of critical importance for both teams involved, especially the latter which has dropped two matches out of their last three matches. Furthermore, PBKS stands on the brink of missing out on qualifying for playoffs should they fail to secure any victories from their remaining four games.
Dharamsala’s pitch has initially favoured bowlers but will turn in favour of batters later on. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matheesha Pathirana and Richard Gleeson will miss due to injury for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) while Daryl Mitchell and Tushar Deshpande have also been unavailable from PBKS; thus ensuring this game will witness some explosive hitting by batsmen; Mustafizur Rahman will make his comeback following a long absence due to injury lay off!
Match 49 of IPL 2024
Indian Premier League’s 17th edition will see all eight teams battle it out over one month of competition, starting off at home venues and most matches taking place during evening hours.
The match will take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both teams come into this game having enjoyed success in previous matches and will look to maintain this winning momentum throughout.
CSK have bounced back well following a setback against Sunrisers Hyderabad to remain within striking distance of top four. Their head-to-head record against Punjab Blues will give them confidence that they can extend their winning streak against them.
PBKS, on the other hand, will also look to extend their unbeaten streak in this competition. Last week they broke through Chepauk’s fortress-like defences to become only second team after Mumbai Indians to have defeated CSK five consecutive times in succession.
Timeline
CSK are hoping to bounce back after suffering two defeats during their recent encounters, while PBKS hope to secure their spot in the playoffs of this tournament. This match will take place at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
PBKS have won both of their matches so far this season and will be buoyed by Jonny Bairstow’s return. Furthermore, they have made notable acquisitions such as Shashank Singh and Sam Curran who will certainly add strength.
The team boasts an exceptional lineup and will aim to improve upon their disappointing performance from their last match. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has returned with some solid scores while Daryl Mitchell and Shivam Dube have found their game again.
PBKS have won four out of their five matches at Chepauk and are considered one of the premier home teams. Unfortunately, however, they have given away leads against Mumbai Indians, SRH and Gujarat to go down in the table.
Prediction
CSK are confident of winning this match at home, having enjoyed an outstanding record. But PBKS have shown glimpses of their potential and will need points in order to maintain playoff hopes – Jonny Bairstow could resurge while Liam Livingstone could fire, and Kagiso Rabada could prove too much for CSK to handle.
At the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, it’s expected that the pitch will provide ample batting opportunities and not provide much assistance for spinners. Both teams may prefer to bat first and post competitive totals.
Chennai have won 15 out of 29 head-to-head meetings against Punjab while Punjab have secured victory 14 times, but both teams have produced some exciting encounters – most notably last year’s Chepauk epic where Matheesha Pathirana nearly stole one for them during Matheesha Pathirana’s superb final over. Therefore, who plays better cricket will ultimately determine this encounter’s winner.