🏏 IPL 2026: Match 46, PBKS vs GT on 3rd May 7:30pm at Ahmedabad🏏 - Page 3

Originally posted by: Prizi

Want GT to win just to see Gill's post

Kaleshi finds Kaleshi

IPL S19E46 - Punjab Kings were invincible till they weren't. Gujarat Titans are a team on the ascent. PBKS are top of the points table, GT are fifth but could join RCB, SRH, RR with 12 points with a win. This could be spicy. I am Ashish Pant and will soon be joined by Abhijato Sensharma as we buckle up for new-age Punjab Kings taking on old-school Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans beat second placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Can they now knock over Punjab Kings as well? Their bowling attack has been the driving force behind their success this season. Rabada and Siraj have been outstanding with the new ball, Holder has added control and depth through the middle overs, while Arshad Khan, who replaced Prasidh, has already picked up five wickets in two games. Even Rashid Khan is beginning to look like his old self again. They’ve restricted oppositions to under 160 in each of their last two matches. But Punjab’s batting line-up presents a completely different level of challenge, especially with the match-up between Punjab’s aggressive openers and Gujarat’s new-ball pair.

Samar: "If out of 70 league games, there's one match that would really change the course of rest of the IPL, it's this match. A GT win would spice up the entire table and would also give hope to DC and CSK to have a shot of playoff shot whereas PBK win would again divide the table into halves."

For Punjab Kings, it has largely been the opposite story. Their batting has carried them through the season, particularly the top four. Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly and Shreyas Iyer have all crossed 270 runs already, which has eased the pressure on the middle order and masked some bowling inconsistencies. Arshdeep has blown hot and cold, Chahal hasn’t quite found rhythm consistently, while the overseas quicks - Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett and Lockie Ferguson - have been a touch expensive. In fact, despite sitting at the top of the table, Punjab Kings have picked up the fewest wickets among all teams this season. That’s one area they’outside the leg-stump want to tighten up as the tournament moves towards the business end. Toss and teams coming up..

In their previous game, PBKS failed to defend 222 against Rajasthan Royals. Arshdeep Singh's figures (1 for 68), in particular, revealed the wide gulf between their batting merit and their bowling woes. On the other hand, GT showcased their bowling depth against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. While Rabada and Siraj went for runs, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan and Jason Holder picked up seven wickets between them. Then in the chase, Rahul Tewatia walked out bereft of runs and batting time this season, like the rest of GT's middle order. He finished off the game with a nerveless 27 not out off 17 balls.

Thanks for the tag

Thanks for the tag

All the best to both team

Battle for the playoffs continues - Match 46 of the Indian Premier League 2026 brings together Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, in what is shaping up to be a crucial clash.

With the tournament entering its decisive phase, both teams are fighting for playoff positioning. PBKS sit at the top of the table with a strong win record, while GT are placed mid-table and are itching to find some consistency to break into the top four. For Punjab, a win would further solidify their grip on a playoff berth. For Gujarat, this match could define their season trajectory - either solidifying their position in the top of the table or pushing them into a must-win situation going forward.

Who has the momentum coming into this clash? Punjab Kings have arguably been the most consistent side this season, winning six of their first eight matches and carrying strong momentum despite a recent loss. Their balanced lineup and ability to win in different conditions make them formidable opponents. Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have had a mixed campaign with five wins in nine matches. While they have shown flashes of brilliance, including recent victories, their inconsistency, especially at home, remains a concern.

Head-to-head record - The rivalry between GT and PBKS has been evenly contested. The overall head-to-head stands level at 3-3, underlining how closely matched these teams are. However, recent trends slightly favor Punjab Kings, who have won three out of the last four encounters between the two sides and even edged GT earlier this season.

What about the pitch and conditions? The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad typically offers a batting-friendly surface, with good bounce and pace aiding stroke play. Scores in the range of 175–200 are considered competitive, though bowlers, especially those who hit the deck hard, can extract assistance. Spinners are also expected to play a role in the middle overs, making this a well-balanced surface where both bat and ball can influence the game.

The captains are now out in the middle. Gill gives the coin a flip. GT win the toss, too, and decide to bowl first.