After a blockbuster Sunday, Punjab Kings will lock horns with the depleted Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 26 (Monday). Punjab, who found the winnings way after a couple of defeats will look to continue their found form while Kolkata will be desperate to bounce off the blocks to keep their hopes alive of finishing in the top four.
After a couple of defeats on the trot, the KL Rahul-led side has finally got their rhythm back. The skipper once again anchored the innings while the Universe Boss played a blistering knock after a brilliant effort from the bowlers to seal the tie. The inclusion of young spinner Ravi Bishnoi also paid dividends and the management will look to keep the momentum going. Bowling at the death over is a concern Punjab Kings will look to address going deep into the tournament.
On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders have found it difficult in the ongoing cash-rich league. After a winning start; they have stumbled and currently, find themselves in the eighth spot. The top-order that has been a problem with KKR, as Eoin Morgan‘s blueprint of brave batting and coach Brendon McCullum’s backing of flamboyance hasn’t quite translated into results. After two fifties to start the campaign, Nitish Rana has had a few failures while Rahul Tripathi has blown hot and cold. The main concern for KKR is that their star player at the top – Shubman Gill – is yet to deliver on his promise while the captain himself has had a poor IPL so far – with only 45 runs in five innings.
IPL 2021: Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from 7:30 PM IST
Match Prediction – Who will win the match?
Kolkata Knight Riders have faced off against Punjab Kings 27 times in the IPL since 2008, holding a whopping 18-9 win-loss advantage. In the last five encounters between the two sides, the Knight Riders have dominated the Kings, winning four times. KKR and PBKS shared a victory each when they met last season.
However, in contrast, Punjab Kings might have a slight advantage going to this game. But toss is likely to play a crucial role with chances of dew settling in as the game progresses.