PBKS hope to continue dominating CSK as race for playoffs heats up

In recent times, not many teams have dominated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as much as Punjab Kings (PBKS) have. CSK have lost their last five matches against them, and among all of them, what will hurt the Super Kings the most is the fact that they succumbed to Punjab at their fortress, Chepauk, just three days ago. 

That has reduced CSK to their third loss in four games and suddenly, it's PBKS who have a slight momentum, having registered back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

In terms of the race to the playoffs, another win here for Punjab would see them firmly in contention for a place in the top four. A loss for CSK would not entirely put them out of contention, but there will then certainly be a mountain to climb for the Men in Yellow.

Which way will the pendulum swing in Dharamshala?

Here’s more of what teams need to do to make the playoffs.

PBKS vs CSK Head-to-Head

Overall - Games 29 | PBKS 14 | CSK 15

In Dharamshala - Games 2 | PBKS 1 | CSK 1

Last 5 matches – PBKS 5 | CSK 0

Venue details

The fast bowlers have tasted more success in Dharamshala in the IPL, having accounted for over 75% of the wickets, but in day games, this number has shot up to over 84%. Sticking with the day games, the spinners have the edge when it comes to keeping the runs down, as they have given away runs at 8.8 an over, compared to the pacers' 10.3.

Overall, the average first innings score in Dharamshala has been 180, and the captains winning the toss have chosen to bowl 10 out of 11 times here. Even in the two day games that was played here last season, the team winning the toss preferred to chase.

Weather forecast

There are some showers expected in Dharamshala on May 5 (Sunday), but it is not expected to play any part during the match whatsoever. The temperature is expected to be pleasant at 26°C at the start of the game and will go as low as 22°C by the end of it. Expect 44-54% humidity during the game.

Things to watch out for

When will Jitesh step up?

Barring Jitesh Sharma, every other batter in the PBKS line-up has made at least one significant contribution to their team’s victory. Jitesh is yet to get a 30-plus score this season in the eight innings he has batted and it is largely due to his inability to take on the pacers.

He has been dismissed five times by fast bowlers, striking at 109.26 (Ave 11.8). A strike rate of 133.33 in balls 1-10 also shows that he has not been able to get off the blocks quickly, which is something he did well last season (160.17).

Overall, it has been a season to forget for the wicketkeeper-batter.

CSK acing with the ball post powerplay

CSK have an overall economy rate of just 8.7 in IPL 2024 – the best among all teams. That is largely due to the spinners, who have conceded at just 7.6 an over, but it is the pacers who have picked up 47 wickets (Econ 9) compared to the spinners’ nine. 

However, powerplay has been CSK bowlers’ Achilles heel as they have managed just 13 wickets (econ 9.1) and have a boundary percentage of 73%, which is among the worst. However, they have stepped up their game in the middle overs and the death, where they have the best economy rate, conceding 7.6 (24 wickets) and 10.5 (20 wickets) an over, respectively, which is the best in the tournament.

Their aim from here on should ideally be to look to do more damage in the first six overs, which could set up the game for them.

Probable XIs

PBKS spin bowing coach Sunil Joshi has confirmed that Shikhar Dhawan will miss this game, but remains hopeful of the skipper being available for the final two league games. 

For CSK, head coach Stephen Fleming indicated that Deepak Chahar’s season could be over after he walked off after bowling just two deliveries in the previous game. We could see Tushar Deshpande slot into the XI in his place. Matheesha Pathirana, too, could be back in contention, with Mustafizur Rahman, who has left India, likely to make way.

PBKS - Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran (c), Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh; Prabhsmiran Singh/Vidwath Kaverappa (IP)

CSK - Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Richard Gleeson/Matheesha Pathirana, Richard Gleeson; Mukesh Choudhary/Sameer Rizvi (IP)

Telecast and streaming details

The match will be live on Star Sports Network and live-streamed on Jio Cinema. The game will start at 3:30 PM, with the toss happening at 3 PM.

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