FANTASY
Follow UsAfter a demoralizing defeat against Lucknow Super Giants, where they fell short of a small target, Punjab Kings will take on table-toppers Gujarat Titans at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday (May 3).
Punjab can still make it to the playoffs, but need a solid performances in their remaining five matches after losing three of last four matches. Gujarat, meanwhile, are all but guaranteed a place in the playoffs as they have won eight of their nine matches so far.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Gujarat won their first encounter against Punjab Kings in a thrilling fashion after Rahul Tewatia smashed two sixes off the final two balls to take them over the line.
SUGGESTED TEAM
While you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.
GROUND DETAILS
Over the last 28 innings at the DY Patil Stadium, pacers have an advantage over spinners averaging 4.2 dismissals per game compared to the 1.8 wickets per game of spinners. Spinners have bowled at a better economy of 7.6 to pacers' 8.6. The pitch is expected to aid batters with average scores at the venue being 169, so it is good to go with six frontlines batters, two allrounders and three pacers.
SUGGESTED CAPTAIN
David Miller
The South African has been in sensational form as he scored some scintillating knocks in matches were Gujarat had lost their top order quickly. His ability to rotate the strike and hit big boundaries have been exceptional so far. He was once again key for the team with an unbeaten 39 off 24 balls against RCB in a tough chase.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Miller to score 30-46 runs in this match.
X-FACTORS
Mohammad Shami
Shami has been extremely crucial in the powerplay for the Titans with eight wickets from nine innings at an economy of 6.7. Though he has gone over 8.7 runs per over at the death, he has still managed to pick up five wickets which makes him a handy pick for your team.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Shami to pick up 2-3 wickets in this match.
Kagiso Rabada
One of the finest fast bowlers in the world, Rabada is a bowler who can fetch wickets on any surface and at all phases of the game. The South African is Punjab's highest wicket taker with 13 scalps despite missing a game at the beginning. Despite being a tad bit expensive this season, he has made up with four wickets in the middle over, which is much needed for Punjab against Titans.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Rabada to pick up 2-3 wickets in this match.
Shikhar Dhawan
Known for his unflappable style, Dhawan can play long innings without affecting the scoring rate of his team which was the main reason behind Punjab posting totals north of 160 this season. He will once again be key at the top of the order if they are to pose a challenge to a star-studded bowling lineup of Gujarat.
Our Criclytics player projector predicts Dhawan to score 22-32 runs in this match.
