Punjab, Rajasthan look to keep playoff hopes alive with win in crucial clash
DHARAMSHALA: Punjab Kings (PBKS) will look to quickly bounce back in their final group stage match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Rajasthan Royals, who come into upcoming clash on the back of a few unpleasant results.
Ater a narrow defeat against Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab are in a tough situation. They need to register a big win over Rajasthan to keep their hopes alive for the playoffs.
If they win their final home match at the scenic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamshala, they will finish the league phase with 14 points.
Apart from winning with a huge margin on Friday, Punjab are also dependent on several other results to go their way to finish in the top four on the points table.
On the other hand, the Royals have managed just a solitary win in their last five matches. With six wins and seven losses this season, Rajasthan are placed sixth in the standings.
Just like Punjab, Rajasthan also need to win their final group stage league match to remain in contention for the playoffs.
Punjab will take confidence from the thrilling five-run win over Rajasthan in their previous meeting at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati earlier this season.
Captain Shikhar Dhawan’s unbeaten 86 off 56 balls and Prabhsimran Singh’s 34-ball 60 helped them post 197/4 in our 20 overs. Later, Nathan Ellis’ four-wicket haul restricted Royals to 192/7 in their alloted overs. Punjab will aim to complete a season double against the Royals on Friday.
“Irrespective of what happens in other games, we have one more game to play and win. And that’s all I want you to think about. Let’s get together for one more game,” said Rajasthan’s head coach Kumar Sangakkara ahead of their clash against PBKS.
With just a win from last five matches, the Men In Pink sit sixth with 12 points. A victory against PBKS can throw them into the mix for a place in the playoffs, provided other results also go their way.