PBKS VS RR: IPL 2023 Match 8 Prediction – Who Will Reign Supreme?

In this article, we will be predicting the outcome of the IPL 2023 Match 8 between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS). We will be analyzing the team’s performance, player form, and head-to-head records to provide an accurate prediction of who will win today’s IPL match between RR and PBKS.

Team Performance:

Both RR and PBKS have had a winning start to their IPL 2023 campaign. RR won their first match of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad as Rajas while PBKS won their opening match against KKR by the DLS method. RR has a strong batting lineup that includes Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, while their bowling is led by Trent Boult and Chahal. PBKS, on the other hand, has a top-heavy batting lineup with Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapakasya and Liam Livingstone, and a strong bowling unit with the likes of Rabada, Arshdeep Singh and Sam Curran(The highest bid at the auction).

The Shikhar Dhawan-led side defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by seven runs (DLS Method) in their opening match and will be confident ahead of taking on the Royals. Even though Liam Livingstone and Kagiso Rabada were unavailable, Punjab Kings were brilliant with both bat and ball as Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh gave the team a flying start.  Batting at number three, Bhanuka Rajapaksa smashed 50 runs off 32 deliveries while Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma played quick cameos to help PBKS post 191 runs in 20 overs.

With the ball, youngster Arshdeep Singh was sensational as he absolutely destroyed KKR’s top order. Rahul Chahar and Sikandar Raza were very impactful with the ball as well. Coming to Rajasthan, their top order is on song at the moment and they have the capability to change the complexion of the game at any time. Jos Buttler (54 off 22) gave them a perfect start in the last match while Yashasvi Jaiswal looked rock solid with 54 off 37 deliveries. Later Sanju Samson too scored a half-century as Rajasthan posted 203 runs on board after 20 overs.

RR vs PBKS Pitch Report

The surface at Barasara Cricket Stadium is expected to help the batters. A high-scoring encounter is likely and bowling first will be ideal since dew can play role later. Anything above 200 will be a challenging total.

RR vs PBKS Probable Playing XIs

Rajasthan Royals (RR):

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

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

RR vs PBKS Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter

Jos Buttler: Jos ‘the Boss’ gave Rajasthan a phenomenal start in the last match. As the pitch is expected to favour the batters in the forthcoming match, he is expected to wreak havoc in the middle once again. He finished as the leading run-scorer of the tournament last year and would be aiming the same in 2023.

Probable Best Bowler

Sam Curran: Sam Curran’s variations with the ball can work wonders against Rajasthan. He was poor with the ball against KKR but the England all-rounder has the capability to bounce back and make a huge impact.

Spin wizard Yuzvendra Chahal impressed with the ball, taking a four-wicket haul. To make his return to the playing XI of the national team, the ongoing IPL is very important for the bowler and his performance explain his intentions. On the other hand, Trent Boult picked up two wickets while KM Asif proved to be economical.

Here’s my Dream11 prediction for the Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Indian Premier League 2023 match:

Sanju Samson (C), Jitesh Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal (Vc), Jos Buttler, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Trent Boult, Ravichandran Ashwin