IPL 2017| Match 49 Preview: Kings XI Punjab Vs. Kolkata Knight Riders

05/09/2017

It's do or die for the Kings XI Punjab as they take on the Kolkata Knight Riders at home tonight. While the Knight Riders will be aiming for a win to take them to top spot, the Kings know that anything apart from a positive result will end their hopes of making it to the playoffs of IPL 2017

With IPL 2017 now heading towards its business end, both the Kings XI Punjab and the Kolkata Knight Riders have completely different priorities. While Kolkata have already qualified for the playoffs and are looking to dislodge Mumbai Indians at the top of the table, Punjab must win tonight to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Head to head:

Kolkata lead 14-6.

Last meeting:

Gautam Gambhir’s unbeaten 72 helped Kolkata chase down the required 171 with ease as Kolkata won the corresponding encounter at the Eden Gardens with 8 wickets and 21 balls to spare.

Fan Predictions: As part of the preview, we bring to you fan predictions for the talking points of the game. The predictions are sourced from the newest fantasy game on the block – Nostragamus. If you want to make your predictions and win prizes, click here.

Who will win?

A. KXIP B. KKR

KKR hold an advantage of 14-6 in the 20 head to head games played between these 2 sides in IPL. KKR have remained unbeaten against KXIP in last 7 games. KKR are coming off from a victory against RCB, Chris Lynn is back from injury and still looked to be in top form as he scored a 50. However, it’s a must win match for KXIP to keep their playoff hopes alive. Despite this, KKR have lost fewer matches, and therefore, we predict KKR to win the fixture as they have solid bowling and batting units whereas KXIP lacks a good bowling attack.

Fans verdict: The fans are us on this one, as 71% think KKR will win.

Who will score more runs?

A. Amla B. Gambhir

In IPL 2017, Amla has scored 420 runs at an average of 60 while Gambhir has scored 425 at an average. of 47 and in the previous match, Amla recorded his 2nd century (104) of this IPL. But this is a trick question as some of you may not have noticed that Amla has left KXIP to join the South African National team to prepare for the upcoming ODI series against England. Hence it is a no brainer, choose Gambhir and be happy.

Fans verdict: The fans are with us on this one, as 54% - Gambhir will outscore Amla.

Predicted XI:

Manan Vohra is expected to come in for Hashim Amla, who has left for national commitments to his South African side.

Kings XI Punjab: Glenn Maxwell (c), Martin Guptill, Manan Vohra, Shaun Marsh, Axar Patel, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Gurkeerat Singh, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Sharma, Varun Aaron, T Natarajan.

Robin Uthappa is expected to return for this game and replace the Sheldon Jackson.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Gautam Gambhir (c), Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Colin de Grandhomme, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa (wk), Chris Woakes, Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Ankit Rajpoot.

Key Players:

Glenn Maxwell (KXIP)- With Hashim Amla leaving for national duty, the Kings XI Punjab skipper will have to step up to the plate and lead his side from the front.

Chris Lynn (KKR)- Having returned to the side in typical fashion with a half-century in the last game, KKR will be hoping for more of the same from the hard-hitting Australian.

Pre- Match Chatter:

“We haven’t won a heap of games in a row. We’ve had to scrap. Unfortunately, we’ll lose Hashim Amla and David Miller now, and we’ll have to look deep in our reserves and re-group”, Kings XI skipper, Glenn Maxwell.

Venue: Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali

Time: 8 pm

TV Listings: Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Set Max, Sony ESPN