IPL 2018, Match 44, Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Match Prediction

After the completion of ten matches for both the teams, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab finds themselves in a very tricky position.

A convincing performance in the next few matches will definitely push both the teams for a top-two finish. However, any further hiccups will surely jeopardise their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. The two franchises led by veteran Tamil Nadu cricketers will need to resurrect their fortunes in the upcoming matches.

Dinesh Karthik, the Kolkata Knight Riders skipper, said at the post-match presentation after the huge loss, he has to give confidence to the boys and make them believe that they still have a realistic chance of qualifying for the playoffs. On the other Ravichandran Ashwin also needs to lead by example after Punjab’s dream run in the season is slowly fading off. However, both teams have chances of making it to the playoffs.

Punjab is all set to play their next two games at the Holkar Stadium in Indore which is their adopted home. Their fortunes in the tournament will more or less be understood in the next two matches. However, the match between Kolkata and Punjab holds major significance. A defeat for Kolkata might well turn out to be the final nail in the coffin for the two-time champions. On the other hand, a defeat for Punjab will intensify the battle for the 2^nd, 3^rd and the 4^th spot.

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Rajasthan Royals’ victory against the Chennai Super Kings yesterday means at least five teams are fighting for three playoffs spot. Only Hyderabad sit pretty with nine wins. They are the only team to have confirmed a playoff berth. Meanwhile, Punjab has been overly reliant on their top two, KL Rahul and Chris Gayle.

Rahul has been quite sensational. However, he hasn’t got enough support at the other end which has been baffling. Rahul and Gayle have scored more 50% of the team’s runs in the tournament so far. The bowling department has been led ably by Andrew Tye and Afghan sensation Mujeeb-ur-Rahman. The teenaged spinner has been one of the highest wicket-takers in the tournament so far. Andrew Tye has gone for some runs. However, he has been among the wickets which have kept the bowling department in right stead.

Kolkata got their campaign off to a pretty good start with a convincing victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore. They lost the next two and again bounced back with victories in the next couple of games. It has been the same trend since the last four matches. They have to pull their socks and start performing on a consistent basis. The defeat against the Mumbai Indians could turn out to be very crucial, as they suffered a humiliating 102-run beating.

It has also taken Mumbai’s Indian’s net run-rate to the highest in the tournament while KKR’s net run-rate has gone down by a considerable amount.

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Team Combinations

Kings XI Punjab

Punjab is unlikely to make any changes. They did lose a couple of matches on a bounce. However, the team is a pretty balanced one. The form of the middle order will play a big part in Punjab’s success story for the next few matches. Gayle who has a couple of low scores will also look to get back to rhythm and start belting the big sixes to perfection.

Predicted XI: Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Yuvraj Singh / Akshdeep Nath, Manoj Tiwary, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin (c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Mujeeb Rehman.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Knight Riders have a few problems to deal with when they face Punjab early in the day today. KKR assistant coach Simon Katich revealed Shubman Gill is available for selection. Meanwhile, bowling coach Heath Streak was also seen in an animated chat with Mitchell Johnson. The left-arm pacer who is having a pretty mediocre season so far might well replace Tom Curran. His experience might come in handy for Kolkata in a few must-win games. Shivam Mavi is also expected to sit out after some impressive performances by the youngster, Prasidh Krishna.

Predicted XI: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (c / wk), Andre Russell, Mitchell Johnson, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

Match Prediction

It will be a critical match for both teams. In the previous encounter between the two sides, it was a Rahul-Gayle blitz which blew away Kolkata.

It was sensational power-hitting by the duo. However, I have a gut feeling that both the batsmen will have an off day on Saturday. If that is the case, then Kolkata will surely back themselves to win the match. So I will go with Kolkata to win the afternoon game.

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