IND T20 League 2023

RAJ vs PUN, 8th Match

Preview

The 8th Match of the Indian T20 League will be played between RAJ and PUN on Wednesday, 5th April 2023, in Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, at 07:30 PM IST. Both teams are here after getting a win. PUN got their success through the DLS method against KOL. Meanwhile, RR defeated HYD by a significant margin of 72 runs.

In the previous three seasons, RAJ has won the rivalry by winning four encounters. Their top order, which is in great shape, boosts the squad's faith. On the other hand, a victory for the PUN would boost their morale and benefit them for the remainder of the season because they have been erratic in recent years.

The team led by Sanju Samson performed as anticipated. They dominated HYD's fury bowling unit, winning by 72 runs. The Top 3 performed superbly in the match, dominating their bowlers in the powerplay. Samson wants his team to keep playing similarly until they win the game.  

The most dangerous opening combination is probably Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal, as evidenced by their 85-run partnership in the previous match. However, they will be held to a comparable standard by the opposition. Samson, the ideal No. 3, will attempt to lead the opening alongside Devdutt Padikkal and Riyan Parag. A solid-hitting lineup comprises Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jason Holder.  

The bowling attack carried out its strategies flawlessly in the previous game, and they are hoping for another strong performance with the new ball from Trent Boult and KM Asif. In addition, the team will anticipate comparable displays from Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Yuzvendra Chahal, who spun superbly in the middle overs.

With a victory, Shikhar Dhawan made a winning debut as skipper. The team with the bat scored big and outscored the KOL by seven runs with the DLS technique, putting on a solid performance. RAJ, which they have battled against the last three seasons, will present a more difficult task. To win this game, Dhawan must instill trust in the team.  

Shikhar Dhawan took the initiative against KOL, and he will work to build a solid foundation alongside Prabhsimran Singh, who demonstrated his striking powers. At No. 3, Bhanuka Rajapaksa must use his expertise to contribute runs alongside Sikandar Raza and Jitesh Sharma. They want from the league’s most expensive players, Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, and Nathan Ellis because their team has strong batters down the order.  

The burden will be on the bowler's offense because the RAJ's top-3 batters are strong. The patterns of Sam Curran and Arshdeep Singh must be accurate, and they must take early wickets. The middle overs feature a significant contribution from Raza and Ellis. Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, and Rishi Dhawan make the offense more interesting, but they must carry out their strategies for the team to win.  

Match Details

Match: RAJ vs PUN, 8th Match, IND T20 League 2023

Date: Wednesday, April 05, 2023

Time: 07:30 PM

Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

Pitch and Weather Report

Because it is a new field, teams chasing the score have done well in the few games played there. However, the late dew makes it challenging to hold the ball, which makes it difficult to bowl at the proper lengths. Therefore, the team that wins the toss shouldn’t hesitate to bowl first.

In contrast to most sites in India, the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is renowned for having a gentler pitch. It provides pacers with lots of opportunities. Spinners must work for their chances because the track offers fewer chances to score cheaply. Batters who develop their runs while waiting do well.

On April 5, there will be some cloud cover over Guwahati. The pacers will receive some help in the first innings. However, because bowlers will always have opportunities here, batters must choose their strokes carefully to perform well. To win this match, the first team must score 170 runs.

RAJ vs PUN Squads

RAJ: Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Jos Buttler, K.C Cariappa, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldip Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Obed Mccoy, R. Ashwin, Riyan Parag, Sanju Samson, Shimron Hetmyer, Trent Boult, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jason Holder, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Adam Zampa, KM Asif, M Ashwin, Akash Vashisht, Abdul P A, Joe Root. 

PUN: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Trevor Bayliss, Brad Haddin, Wasim Jaffer, Charl Langeveldt, Matthew Short, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan, Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Rishi Dhawan, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Raj Bawa, Nathan Ellis, Baltej Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Atharva Taide, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Mohit Rathee, Shivam Singh

RAJ vs PUN Probable Playing XIs

RAJ: Sanju Samson (c & wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal

PUN: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Nathan Ellis, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

Match Prediction

The PUN will be optimistic because they have a winning count to open the year. However, facing the best top order will be a tough challenge for their bowlers. For their team to prevail in this match, their bowlers must perform flawlessly. RAJ delivered a powerful message with their victory in the most recent game. They commence as favorites because of their solid hitting lineup and their competing on their second home field. RAJ to conquer this game.

Top Fantasy Picks

Jos Buttler: The English right-handed batsman, who has made 288 runs in his last four Indian T20 League games, is still in outstanding form across all tournaments. He would be destructive on his day.

Trent Boult: The left-arm Fast bowler from New Zealand had an outstanding first over against HYD. Following Rahul Tripathi's and Abhishek Sharma's dismissals, he delivered a double-wicket maiden. His inswingers would be lethal to the struggling top order of PUN.

Shikhar Dhawan: PUN Skipper is one of the few players who consistently score runs in the Indian T20 League in the last few seasons, still unable to make his place in the national squad. He scored on Saturday by hitting six fours against KOL. Dhawan will be the crucial player to tackle Trent Bould and the spinners.

Arshdeep Singh: In the last season, Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh was not at his best, but he returned to form on Saturday and took a wicket in his first over. He would be dangerous for the brilliant top order of RR with his new ball-inswinging ability.

Risky Captaincy Choice 

Prabhsimran Singh: PUN's newly found opener Prabhsimran Singh could be your Fantasy team’s Captain pick. He played an intent inning of 23 runs in just 12 balls, including two 4s and two 6s. He’s in the form opener and could be your team’s trump card.

Suggested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket

Team 1

Team 2