The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, captained by Rajat Patidar, in the first qualifier match. The winner will directly advance to the final, while the loser will get another chance to make it to the championship game. Let’s take a look at the weather forecast for Mohali and how the pitch is likely to behave.
Rajat Patidar was seen in action in the previous match but couldn’t take the field, so Jitesh Sharma led the team. It remains to be seen who will captain Royal Challengers Bangalore in this crucial game. Patidar is in top form, having scored a half-century in the last match, and is currently fifth in the race for the Orange Cap.
Punjab Kings have had a remarkable season so far, thanks in large part to the impressive performances of their top batsmen. If Royal Challengers Bangalore want to put pressure on them, they’ll need to dismissal their top three batsmen quickly.
The head-to-head record between these two teams is closely contested, with 35 matches played so far. Royal Challengers Bangalore have won 17, while Punjab Kings have emerged victorious 18 times.
As for the weather, there’s a slight chance of light drizzle during the match, but no heavy rain is expected. The temperature in Mohali is expected to be around 37 degrees Celsius, with winds blowing at 14 kilometers per hour. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM.
The pitch at the PCA Stadium is generally considered batsman-friendly, but this season, it’s been a different story. The bowlers have had the upper hand, and it’s likely to be a challenging task for the batsmen again today. If the team batting first sets a target of 190-200, it could be tough for the chasing team to succeed. In the four matches played at this venue this season, the team batting first has won three times.
The pitch may offer some assistance to the batsmen early on, so it’s essential for the team batting first to make the most of the powerplay. As the game progresses, the pitch is expected to slow down, making it tougher for the batsmen to score. The spinners might find some help in the middle overs, making it a fascinating contest between bat and ball.