2021 IPL – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings taking place? Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings will take place on Sunday 3rd October, 2021 at 11:00 (UK)
Where is Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings taking place? Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings will take place at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah
What is the expected weather for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings? 35-37c with sunny intervals and a gentle breeze
Where can I get tickets for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings? Check each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings on in the UK? Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings live on Sky Go
THE TEAM NEWS
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
- Royal Challengers Bangalore come into this one on the back of two consecutive victories and two points here will see them secure qualification for the playoffs.
- Virat Kohli’s side could well field the same team as the one who defeated Rajasthan Royals last time out, although it would be no surprise if all-rounder George Garton was replaced by Wanindu Hasaranga, should RCB opt for the extra spin-bowler rather than the left-arm pace of Garton.
PUNJAB KINGS
- Punjab Kings’ five wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders this past Friday sees them currently sat fifth-place in the table and victory over RCB would take them to within two points of Kohli’s men.
- Big-hitting West Indian star Chris Gayle has left the Punjab Kings camp, with the 42-year-old wanting to mentally refresh ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup and will miss the remainder of the IPL, with his absence likely leading to the Kings being unchanged for this match.
THE PREDICTION
Both these two sides appear to have built up some much-needed momentum heading into the business end of the competition and an exciting game looks on the cards in Sharjah. As always, the performance of the two Punjab Kings openers will be key to their success here. Royal Challengers Bangalore appear to boast more depth within their batting order, especially with the in-form Glenn Maxwell and 37-year-old AB de Villiers coming in at numbers 4 and 5 respectively. This is likely to prove the difference between the two sides and provided that RCB can dismiss both KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal for relatively small totals, then they should ultimately edge out the Kings in a close contest.
