IPL 2024 – Match 42, KKR vs PBKS Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Match?

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Original Content: IPL 2024 – Match 42, KKR vs PBKS Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s Match?

In the 42nd Match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match is set to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday, April 26.

Kolkata Knight Riders has played seven matches this season, emerging victorious in five of them. In their recent nail-biting encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), they secured a narrow one-run victory in a high-scoring match.

On the other hand, Punjab Kings have won only two out of the eight matches they have played so far and are placed at the 9th position on points tally.

What to expect?

Given that Eden Gardens is known for its flat pitch, we can expect similar behaviour from the pitch on Friday as well, promising another thrilling batting spectacle for the fans.

The last encounter between these two teams took place in May 2023. Punjab Kings posted a total of 179/7 in their 20 overs. In response, Kolkata Knight Riders reached the target on the final ball of the match, winning by 5 wickets. Andre Russell was awarded the Player of the Match for his quickfire 42 runs off 23 balls.

KKR vs PBKS Toss Prediction

In the last game played at Eden Gardens, the combined innings score was 443/16, and it wouldn’t be surprising to witness another high-scoring clash. If KKR bats first, we might see one of the highest team scores of this year’s tournament.

With teams batting second winning 58.89% of IPL games at Eden Gardens, both captains are likely to aim to bowl first after winning the toss in this match as well.

KKR vs PBKS Strengths & Weaknesses

KKR Strengths

In their last match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, KKR posted a formidable total of 222/6. Skipper Shreyas Iyer showcased incredible strength, scoring 50 runs off just 36 balls, while Phil Salt played a quickfire innings, smashing 48 runs off 14 balls.

Andre Russell was also impressive in the bowling department, taking 3 wickets while conceding only 25 runs in his 3 overs.

KKR Weaknesses

Bowling impact player Suyash Sharma failed to make an impact in the match against RCB. Not only did he remain wicketless, but he also conceded runs at an alarming economy rate of 16.50.

Joining him was the Australian pacer, Mitchell Starc, who also struggled, conceding runs at an extravagant economy rate of 18.33. This indicates that even the top players are finding it challenging in this year’s tournament.

PBKS Strengths

Shashank Singh, the highest run-scorer for the Punjab Kings this season, has amassed 195 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 168. Following him is another lower-order batsman, Ashutosh Sharma, with 159 runs at an impressive strike rate of 189.29.

These two players have been the standout performers for the Punjab Kings this season, providing crucial support to the middle-order batting lineup, especially at times when Liam Livingstone has not been able to make significant contributions with the bat.

PBKS Weaknesses

The biggest weakness for the Punjab Kings lies in their bowling department. Stand-in captain Sam Curran has struggled, conceding runs at an economy rate of 8.79.

Additionally, their Indian death bowler, Harshal Patel, has taken the same number of wickets as Curran but has a significantly higher economy rate of 9.58 this season.

Conclusion

All eyes are on the highly anticipated clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. With KKR riding high on confidence after a series of impressive performances and PBKS eager to turn their fortunes around, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.

KKR’s powerful batting lineup, led by skipper Shreyas Iyer and backed by explosive players like Phil Salt and Andre Russell, will look to post a formidable total if they bat first.

On the other hand, PBKS, led by stand-in skipper Sam Curran, will be determined to put up a strong bowling performance and contain the KKR batting juggernaut. With players like Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma in good form with the bat, PBKS will be hopeful of a competitive showing.

As both teams gear up for battle, the contest promises to be an exciting one, with fortunes swinging rapidly throughout the match. The captains heading out for the toss will mark the beginning of what is sure to be a captivating showdown under the lights of Kolkata’s cricketing fortress, Eden Gardens.