In the upcoming IPL 2024 showdown, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are gearing up to clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 26th. Currently, Kolkata Knight Riders hold a commendable second position on the IPL points table, showcasing their dominance with five wins out of seven matches played. On the other hand, Punjab Kings find themselves in the lower ranks, positioned ninth, with just two wins out of eight games.
KKR’s recent match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru witnessed a nail-biting finish, securing victory by a mere one-run margin. Notable contributions from Phil Salt and Shreyas Iyer, scoring 48 and 50 runs respectively, propelled KKR to success.
In contrast, Punjab Kings faced a setback in their last outing against Gujarat Titans, enduring a close defeat by 3 wickets despite a valiant effort from Prabhsimran Singh, who scored 35 runs. Head-to-head, Kolkata Knight Riders have a historical edge over Punjab Kings, clinching victory in 21 encounters compared to Punjab Kings’ 11 wins.
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The Eden Gardens has witnessed high-scoring encounters this season, with an average first innings total hovering around 204. The batsmen have enjoyed fluent stroke play, benefiting from the shorter boundaries. However, with the prevailing heat wave, the pitches might gradually favor the spinners as the tournament progresses.
As KKR and PBKS gear up for this crucial clash, fans can expect an electrifying contest at one of cricket’s most iconic venues.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Mitchell Starc’s absence from the nets has raised concerns, with reports suggesting a finger injury sustained during the Royal Challengers Bangalore clash. Whether he’ll be fit for the upcoming match remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Andre Russell’s explosive form in the death overs this season poses a threat to opponents, boasting a remarkable strike rate of 196.72. His anticipated battle against Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran, striking at 222 and 233 respectively, adds an intriguing subplot. If Starc sits out, Dushmantha Chameera might step in, having shown promise in the nets.
Probable XI: Phil Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc/Dushmantha Chameera, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma. [Impact Player: Venkatesh Iyer]
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Shikhar Dhawan’s potential return brings hope for Punjab Kings. Dhawan’s impressive record against Sunil Narine, averaging 52.5 with just two dismissals in 91 deliveries, could prove vital. Sam Curran’s proficiency against Narine also adds depth to Punjab’s strategy. If Dhawan returns, it might mean sidelining Harpreet Singh. Additionally, Jonny Bairstow’s inclusion could see Rilee Rossouw making way for the Englishman.
Probable XI: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow/Rilee Rossouw, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Phil Salt(c), Jitesh Sharma, Prabsimran Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer, Ashutosh Sharma, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell(vc), Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Varun Chakraborty
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Phil Salt, Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Sunil Narine (c), Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran (vc), Kagiso Rabada, Varun Chakravarthy, Harpreet Brar
