KKR vs PBKS Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today's IPL Match 44 2025?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be facing Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 44th game of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2025. The match is scheduled to take place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday (April 26).

Both teams will be looking to win the upcoming game to return to winning ways. The upcoming game will be the second match between KKR and PBKS this season. Earlier this month, they faced each other in Chandigarh, and it turned out to be a historic game as PBKS broke the record for defending the lowest total in the IPL.

Batting first, PBKS were all out for just 111 runs and were looking destined to lose the game. With the bat, KKR were on 62/2 at one stage before suffering an almighty collapse and getting bowled out for just 95 runs. PBKS will be fancying their chances once again, while KKR will be desperate to avenge the loss.

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KKR vs PBKS Match Prediction - Who Will Win Today's IPL Match 44 2025?

Match Preview – KKR vs PBKS, Match 44, IPL 2025

• Date: April 26, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Live Broadcast and live streaming: Star Sports, JioCinema

Defending champions KKR have struggled with their form this season and are on the verge of getting knocked out of the tournament at the league stage. With just three wins from eight games, they are currently languishing in seventh spot in the points table.

While they are still alive in the competition, they need nothing less than a miracle to make it into the top four. Unlike KKR, PBKS are having a season to remember. Under former KKR captain Shreyas Iyer, the Punjab-based outfit has been a force to reckon with.

With 5 wins from 8 games, they are currently in the fifth spot in the points table. A win over KKR will take them to the top four.

KKR vs PBKS Match prediction - Head-to-head record:

• Total matches: 34
• Won by KKR: 21
• Won by PBKS: 13

While PBKS have dominated KKR in recent games, the latter have the better head-to-head record. Out of the 34 games between the two teams so far, KKR have won a staggering 21 while PBKS have managed to win only 13.

KKR vs PBKS Match Prediction - Pitch Report:

• Batting pitch: The Eden Gardens pitch is expected to be a belter. Batsmen have got more support from the surface in recent times and the upcoming game is also likely to witness similar conditions.
• Average First Innings Score: 164
• Win percentage batting second: 57.73

KKR vs PBKS Match prediction - Weather update:

• Rain forecast: Nil
• Temperature: 30-31°C
• Humidity: 75-80%

KKR vs PBKS Match Prediction - Toss Prediction & Impact

Toss winner likely to choose: Batting first

While teams have usually opted to bowl first at the Eden Gardens, the trend this season could make them change their decision. The last three games played at this venue were won by teams batting second. While the surface looked good for batting in the first innings, the bowlers made a bigger impact in the second half of the match.

Key Players to Watch

Kolkata Knight Riders:

• Sunil Narine
• Ajinkya Rahane
• Angkrish Raghuvanshi
• Andre Russell
• Varun Chakaravarthy

Punjab Kings:

• Priyansh Arya
• Prabhsimran Singh
• Nehal Wadhera
• Shreyas Iyer
• Marco Jansen

KKR vs PBKS Match prediction - Recent form:

• KKR - L, L, W
• PBKS- L, W, W

PBKS have done better than KKR in recent games as well. While KKR have won only one of their last three games, PBKS have won two of their last three games.

KKR vs PBKS - Predicted Playing XIs

KKR: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy

PBKS: Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer(c), Josh Inglis(w), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

Expert Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today’s IPL Match?

• If KKR bat first, KKR do have enough firepower to post a big total. However, their chances of defending the total will depend on how much help their spinners get from the surface. If the spinners get ample support, KKR will be the favourites to win the game.
• If PBKS bat first, PBKS also have a formidable batting lineup, and they can post a big total. Their bowlers defended 111 runs against KKR in the last meeting and will be fancying their chances again.

Even though KKR have the home advantage, PBKS will start the game as favourites and are expected to win.