With an eye firmly set on a satisfying double in a rather poor season, Virat Kohli’s Team Bengaluru will lock horns with Ravichandran Ashwin’s Team Punjab at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
What gives them an extra edge heading into the fixture is the fact that they are coming on the back of two back to back victories, while Punjab ended their previous game on the losing side against team Delhi.
Bengaluru against Punjab has always been a close contest. The two teams, who are yet to win an Indian T20 League title, have clashed 23 times since the inception with tonight’s home team emerging victorious in 11 of them. The visitors, on the other hand, have registered 12 victories.
However, if their last five encounters are considered, the storyline is entirely different, as Bengaluru have three wins at their disposal while Punjab have two.
Here’s a look at who should be your top picks for the fixture.
Batsman: KL Rahul
AFP / Sajjad Hussain
With a host of quality batsmen to pick from, one will have to take a calculated risk to make the most of this round.
Barring Punjab’s last game (against Delhi), KL Rahul has been lifting his side’s batting spirit in a perfect way possible. Having registered 399 runs in 10 games, the Punjab opener is running for glory and expect him to make a telling impact in the fixture.
All-rounder: Moeen Ali
AFP / Indranil Mujherjee
In line to play his final game of the Indian T20 League for Bengaluru Moeen Ali will be keen to sign off on a high before he leaves the country due to his international commitments.
With an economy of mere 6.68, the Englishman, with five wickets in 10 games, has been a glaring light in a rather unconvincing season for the team this year. Take note, he will be stepping with a purpose.
Bowling: Mohammed Shami
AFP / Indranil Mukherjee
In another department of a massive conundrum, the fantasy coaches need to keep a keen eye on the likes Punjab’s Mohammed Shami.
Shami he has been his side’s lethal weapon, especially during the death overs. Although he has leaked runs, his ability to pick wickets in crucial times has been a bonus. Also, he is the only bowler from his side to have dismissed Virat Kohli twice in the league.
