New Delhi: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got a big boost in the all-important first qualifier against Punjab Kings (PBKS) as two players made their return on Thursday. The Royal Challengers got the boost in form of the return of star player Josh Hazlewood and Rajat Patidar was also back to led the side. Hazlewood replaced Sri Lankan Nuwan Thushara in the side.
The first qualifier in Chandigarh carries lot of importance as it offers a seat in the final for the franchise that wins the clash. So with the return of the duo, the Royal Challengers would be fancying their chances for a victory. RCB have been in a superb form in the season and would wish to continue their run in the last few crucial clash as well.
Disappointment for Punjab
Meanwhile, it was disappointing for the Punjab franchise as they missed out on the services of senior spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who was expected to return and Marco Jansen, who flew back to prepare for the WTC final in June. Afghanistan player Azmatullah Omarzai replaced Jansen in the playing XI. Bengaluru skipper Patidar won the toss and with a hope to make an impact in the match, opted to bowl first in the playoff encounter.
Teams
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma
Star batter Virat Kohli, who has been in a fine form in the edition, is chasing a big record in the match. If the star batter hits a half-century, he would equal David Warner’s record of most half-centuries smashed in a single edition of the league.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got a big boost in the all-important first qualifier against Punjab Kings (PBKS) with the return of two players. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
