The seventeenth match of IPL 2024 is poised to unfold at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad, featuring a showdown between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings on April 3rd at 7:30 PM IST. As the tournament progresses, Gujarat Titans currently hold the fifth position on the points table, while Punjab Kings lag behind at the eighth spot.
Gujarat Titans have exhibited their prowess in three matches this season, clinching victory in two encounters. Their recent triumph against Sunrisers Hyderabad saw a stellar performance from Sai Sudharsan and David Miller, who contributed significantly with scores of 45 and 44 runs respectively. On the flip side, Punjab Kings have faced a tougher journey, securing just one win out of their three matches.
Despite commendable efforts from players like Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow, who scored 70 and 42 runs respectively in their last match against Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings succumbed to defeat by 21 runs. In their head-to-head encounters in IPL history, Gujarat Titans have emerged victorious in two out of three matches against Punjab Kings.
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The upcoming clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium presents an opportunity for both teams to showcase their skills and secure crucial points in the tournament standings. With the match scheduled at Gujarat Titans’ home ground, fans can expect an intense battle between the two sides on April 4th in IPL 2024.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
In their recent victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans showcased their batting depth as they successfully chased down a target of 163 runs. Sai Sudharsan and David Miller played pivotal roles in anchoring the chase, supported by a strong performance from the bowling unit led by Mohit Sharma, who claimed three wickets. Notable contributions from Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Umesh Yadav further bolstered the team’s efforts.
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The diverse bowling attack of Gujarat Titans stands out as a key strength, offering a plethora of options to strategize and execute game plans effectively. However, there is a pressing need for Shubman Gill to regain his form, as his current average of 25 in the opening three matches leaves room for improvement.
Probable XI: Shubman Gill (c), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Kane Williamson, Sai Sudharshan, Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Umesh Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Spencer Johnson.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
The Kings won their season opener against Delhi Capitals. They then lost back-to-back games against RCB and LSG. Very early in the tournament, the weakness of the team has been exposed. The batting lineup looks to be dependent on Shikhar Dhawan. He has scored 137 runs in the season so far at an average of 45. The rest of the batters have not hit form as yet.
The bowling lineup looks good but they are yet to hit form as well. Kagiso Rabada, Sam Curran, and Arshdeep Singh have four wickets each and Harpreet Brar has three. Harshal Patel has not mastered his death bowling skills as yet and Brar has not been backed up by Rahul Chahar.
Probable XI: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Wriddhiman Saha, Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill (vc), Sai Sudharsan, Sam Curran (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Liam Livingstone, Mohit Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Wriddhiman Saha, Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan (vc), Sam Curran, Azmatullah Omarzai Mohit Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed