It would be a do-or-die game for Punjab Kings when they face Chennai Super Kings in their next encounter in the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League. Punjab Kings’ playoff chances are hanging by a thread and another loss can rule them out of the playoff race. Thus, the visitors are expected to give it their all during the 49th IPL 2024 match on Wednesday while playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
What has happened so far?
With five wins and four losses to their name, Chennai Super Kings are occupying the third place in the points table. The franchise looked in trouble halfway through the IPL 2024 with two consecutive losses against Lucknow Super Giants. However, they were finally successful in getting back to their winning ways with a victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
It was a batting delight by the Chennai-based outfit as the team put up a score of 212 runs after losing the toss. Ruturaj Gaikwad ended up as the top run-scorer while Daryl Mitchell and Shivam Dube also played important roles. In the second innings, CSK bowlers delivered a sensational performance as they restricted SRH to 134 runs and steered their team to a 78-run massive victory.
Speaking of Punjab Kings, they are having a tough time with only six points to their name from three victories and six losses and are positioned in the eighth spot in the points table. After losing four games consecutively, the Chandigarh-based franchise finally showed some character as they defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets.
It was a poor day on the field for PBKS bowlers as KKR ended up hitting 261 runs in the 20 overs. However, the batters saved the day for the Kings as they chased the total within 18.4 overs to score a win by eight wickets to script the highest-ever run-chase in T20 cricket.
Head to Head Record
Chennai Super Kings enjoy slight domination over Punjab Kings in the head-to-head record in the Indian Premier League. The two teams have played a total of 28 games against each other and CSK is leading the record with 15 wins. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings has scored a victory in 13 matches and will be eyeing to equal the record by the end of this weekend.
Key Players
Jonny Bairstow smacked his second IPL hundred against KKR for Punjab Kings
Jonny Bairstow (Punjab Kings): Entering the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings made a tough call as they replaced Liam Livingstone with Jonny Bairstow. The decision proved to be extremely fruitful for the team as the English batter smacked a hundred to help PBKS chase 262 runs in the allotted 20 overs.
Bairstow’s unbeaten knock of 108 runs off just 48 balls, including eight fours and nine sixes, helped Punjab Kings chase the mammoth score with eight balls to spare and win the game by eight wickets.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings): After starting the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League with a series of lacklustre performances, Ruturaj Gaikwad finally showcased his batting mettle in the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad as he ended up as the top run-scorer for the franchise.
The CSK skipper led from the front by smacking 98 runs off just 54 balls with the help of ten boundaries and three maximums. Following his batting exploits, the opening batter also climbed up the run-scoring charts as he is now the second-highest run-getter in the tournament with 447 runs from nine matches.
Team News from Both Camps
Shikhar Dhawan has been away from action for over 15 days because of his shoulder injury. Initially, it was revealed that the skipper would be out for just 7-10 days but he is yet to achieve 100% fitness and is thus expected to miss the Wednesday encounter against CSK.
On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings also suffered an injury scare in their recent game against SRH as the seamer Matheesha Pathirana walked out of the field without completing his four-over spell as the pace sensation could bowl only two overs due to a potential injury.
Predicted XIs
Chennai Super Kings: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad ©, Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana
Punjab Kings: Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Sam Curran ©, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh
Prediction
Chennai Super Kings will be riding on the momentum gained from their last victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad when they collide with Punjab Kings in the Wednesday match.
Punjab Kings also scored a win in their last game against Kolkata Knight Riders but the Northern Lions would be under extreme pressure as CSK will be eyeing to cement their position in the top four of the league standings.