When Punjab Kings (PBKS) clashed with Gujarat Titans (GT) last time, it was Shubman Gill who stole the show with his best performance of the season. But the real heroes emerged from the GT camp, namely Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, who guided their team to victory in Ahmedabad. Now, these two struggling teams find themselves facing off again, this time in Mullanpur, Punjab. Read the latest news of PBKS vs GT.
The last outing for GT was a disastrous one, as they were bundled out for a mere 89 runs against Delhi Capitals on their home turf. It marked their worst batting performance since their inception in 2022. Eager to put that nightmare behind them, GT now brace themselves for what could be an even tougher challenge against PBKS.
PBKS boasts a diverse bowling arsenal with the likes of Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel, and Sam Curran. This well-rounded pace attack showcased its prowess in the previous match, with Harshal’s pinpoint yorkers and Curran’s clever variations wreaking havoc. If facing Delhi Capitals was tough, GT might find themselves in for another stern test on a pitch that has favored seamers early on. Moreover, with spacious boundaries, spinners could also come into play.
However, GT’s Achilles’ heel this season has been their batting woes. Apart from Gill and Sai Sudharsan, no other player has consistently delivered with the bat. Rahul Tewatia stands as the only other batter with over 100 runs to his name. Despite trying various combinations, including bringing in big names like Kane Williamson and Matthew Wade, GT has failed to find a winning formula.
PBKS, too, has encountered batting troubles, particularly at the top order. With skipper Shikhar Dhawan nursing a shoulder injury and Jonny Bairstow struggling for form, PBKS experimented with their opening pair, only to face disappointment. The likes of Atharva Taide and Rilee Rossouw failed to make an impact, leaving the onus on players like Shashank and Ashutosh to steady the ship from the lower-middle order.
One glaring issue for PBKS has been their inability to finish games, as highlighted by Curran in the aftermath of their last match. With half of the tournament already done and dusted and the playoff race heating up, PBKS will be eager to overcome their shortcomings and outshine a struggling GT side. This upcoming match promises an enthralling contest between two teams desperate for a win. Given the struggles of both teams’ top-order batsmen, fans might witness a low-scoring thriller dominated by the lower-order batsmen.
