IPL 2024, PBKS vs RCB Match Highlights: RCB beat Punjab Kings by 60 runs

While extraordinary shots and stroke play was highlight of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, sloppy fielding and missed catches were the highlights for Punjab Kings. RCB has scored 241/6 in their 20 overs with some exemplary batting display by Virat Kohli (92) and Rajat Patidar (55). Punjab need to chase 242 to score 2 points and remain in the race for playoffs.

Punjab Kings win the toss and decide to bowl first. RCB will bat first in the game. Punjab Kings are hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Dharamsala Stadium in match 58 of IPL 2024. The night match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST.

Punjab Kings are set to host Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Dharamsala Stadium in match 58 of IPL 2024. The night match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST.

In Thursday's showdown, the victor will cling onto their faint playoff aspirations, while the vanquished will suffer the same fate as the Mumbai Indians, facing elimination from this season's race.

RCB's transformation between their initial six matches and their most recent five is akin to witnessing two different teams on the field. Since their narrow defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad, falling short by just 25 runs in a pursuit of 288, RCB's batting lineup has undergone a remarkable revival. Their lowest total in the last five encounters stands at 152, achieved while chasing down 148 against the Gujarat Titans in Bengaluru. A resurgence led by Faf du Plessis finding form and a solid top four, featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, du Plessis, Will Jacks, and Rajat Patidar.

Du Plessis has notched up two half-centuries in the recent five matches, contributing to RCB's increased scoring rate in the powerplay, soaring to 12.3 runs per over compared to their earlier 8.27. This shift has allowed for Jacks and Patidar to anchor the innings during the middle overs, capitalizing on additional risks taken in the initial phase. With more adept spin-hitters at their disposal, RCB has upped their scoring rate to 11.03 in the middle overs since April 15, a stark improvement from their 8.41 in previous matches.

This batting resurgence has also liberated Kohli, who has maintained consistency throughout IPL 2024, evident in his surge in strike rate from 141.77 in the first six games to 158.15 in the recent five matches. These factors set the stage for a crucial clash against PBKS at an opportune moment for RCB.

PBKS have proven to be formidable away contenders but have struggled to find their footing at home. Having rotated between three home venues - Mohali, Dharamsala, and the latest addition Mullanpur - in the past two seasons, PBKS' home discomfort is apparent. In IPL 2024, they have secured victories in three out of five away fixtures but have stumbled to only one win in six encounters at home. With the lowest home win percentage over the last two seasons, PBKS' final showdown at Dharamsala in IPL 2024 against RCB holds significant weight.