IPL 2020: Match 18: Kings XI Punjab Vs Chennai Super Kings: Match Prediction

The 18th match of the Dream11 IPL 2020 will see Kings XI Punjab square off against Chennai Super Kings at the Dubai International Stadium in what will be a crucial encounter for both sides.

After having managed just one win in their first 4 games, both KXIP and CSK are desperate for a turnaround. KXIP comes into this game on the back of a 48-run drubbing at the hands of defending champions, Mumbai Indians. The defeat once again displayed Kings XI Punjab chinks in their middle-order and the lack of death-bowling options to the hilt.

While the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Nicholas Pooran, and James Neesham once again failed to take the responsibility and spearhead their side during their run-chase of 192, their death-bowling was equally poor. With the likes of Sheldon Cottrell and Mohammed Shami going for runs, KL Rahul turned to Krishnappa Gowtham to bowl the final over and the move backfired substantially as the duo of Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya teed into the off-spinner.

Coming into this game, one can expect a few changes to the playing XI. With Glenn Maxwell and James Neesham not really firing, it will be interesting to see whether Kings XI Punjab brings in the ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle and death-over specialist in Chris Jordan- who was discarded after one poor game- back in the fold.

Also Read- IPL 2020: Match 18: Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings: CSK Predicted XI

Will Chennai Super Kings break their three-match losing streak against Kings XI Punjab?

As far as Chennai Super Kings is concerned, the wheels are threatening to come off from the three-time winners’ campaign. After having a six-day break post their defeat to Delhi Capitals, fans were expecting the Super Kings to come back roaring against SunRisers Hyderabad on Friday. And while their squad was bolstered with the addition of Ambati Rayudu and star all-rounder Dwayne Bravo, the story of the match was a replica of their previous defeats as their batting-unit once again failed to affect a successful run-chase.

The likes of Shane Watson and Kedar Jadhav endured yet another failure while Ambati Rayudu and Faf du Plessis failed to emulate their past exploits. Ravindra Jadeja scored his maiden IPL fifty and while MS Dhoni tried his best till the end, the image of a tired MSD in the end, pretty much summed up CSK’s campaign in IPL 2020.

 

IPL 2020: Match 18: Kings XI Punjab Vs Chennai Super Kings: Match Prediction

The Chennai Super Kings have historically had an upper-hand over Kings XI Punjab in the IPL. The MS Dhoni-led unit has won 13 of the 22 games that they have played against KXIP. But given their current form and the manner in which their batting-unit has performed this season, backing KXIP to come out trumps against CSK.