IPL 2024: PBKS vs MI Match 33 - Top 3 player battles to watch out for

Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to take on Mumbai Indians (MI) in match 33 of the IPL 2024. Coming from defeats, both teams are desperate for a win to get back on track. So, expect an exciting affair when they clash at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Thursday, April 18.

PBKS lost their previous encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR) by three wickets and are currently sitting seventh on the points table. Meanwhile, having suffered a 20-run loss to defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their last match, MI are just one place behind their opponents in the upcoming match.

In the history of IPL, the two teams have faced each other 31 times and the figures show that they have had a close battle over the years. With 16 wins, five-time champions MI have a slight edge over PBKS (15). While it is a fact that both the teams have had an inconsistent run so far, they have put up some serious fights in recent matches.

Also Check: What's New in Betting Laws in India?

Here are the top three player battles to watch out for in IPL 2024: PBKS vs MI, Match 33 -

3. Rohit Sharma vs Kagiso Rabada

A battle between the top performers of both sides in their respective fields. While Rohit Sharma will aim to give a flying start with the bat, which he has been doing so far, Rabada will try to knock him over in the early stages to avoid maximum damage.

Both players are in great form and offer a promising contest. Rohit scored an unbeaten ton against CSK while Rabada took two wickets at an economy of 4.50 against RR in their last matches. Looking at their head-to-head records in the IPL, the Proteas' right-arm pacer has the upper hand over the veteran Indian opener, dismissing him twice for just 37 runs in 25 balls.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

2. Piyush Chawla vs Liam Livingstone 

Liam Livingston returned to the PBKS line-up in the last match against RR. The English all-rounder batted down the order and the franchise has failed to utilise him to the full. He scored 21 off 14 balls and was unfortunately dismissed while running between the wickets. 

Livingstone showed glimpses of his big-hitting prowess in his brief stay with two fours and a six and PBKS might send him up the order against MI. The visitors are well aware of the threat the right-hander can pose and will rely on veteran spinner Piyush Chawla to get rid of it. Livingstone managed just 12 runs off 17 balls off Chawla and was dismissed once in the IPL.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap

1. Suryakumar Yadav vs Sam Curran 

Another key battle in the upcoming game will be between MI star batter Suryakumar Yadav and PBKS all-rounder Sam Curran. The English cricketer will once again lead the team if Shikhar Dhawan misses out due to injury. The left-arm pacer will also be responsible for keeping Suryakumar quiet.

The MI middle-order batter was out for a duck in the last match but scored a quick-fire half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). One of the most reliable players in the MI batting unit, SKY will aim to thrash PBKS with his unorthodox shots. The right-hander has scored 52 runs off 19 balls from Curran. This clearly shows the dominance of the batter and makes us wait to witness another promising battle between the two.