Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League 2020 (IPL) clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. KKR are currently at the fourth spot in the IPL 2020 points table with KXIP are seated at the bottom of the table with only one win.
KKR will enter the match at the back of a narrow defeat against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But the resolved opening pair for KKR will be a big positive for the side. KKR will back Rahul Tripathi and Shubman Gill to open for the side which means Sunil Narine can play the role of a floater as per requirement of the side. The major concern for KKR will be Andre Russell’s batting form although he has done well with the ball.
IPL 2020 Match 24: Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders: Weather Forecast
The major concern playing in the UAE will be heat. A lot of foreign players are not habituated to playing in such conditions. However, local Indian players might tackle the heat as they have played under such conditions in the sub-continent.
The weather on the match day is predicted to remain around 34 to 32 degree celsius. As the day, progresses, the temperature might give slight relief to the players who are in for an evening start with the match.
Toss also becomes a major concern in the IPL 2020 due to this situation even though in the shortest format it doesn’t plays a big role. Humidity during the latter part of the match makes it difficult for the bowlers to grip the ball. The season has so far seen that the team’s batting first have won most number of matches.