IPL 2017| Match 47 Preview: Kings XI Punjab Vs Gujarat Lions
A resurgent Kings XI Punjab will take on the down and out Gujarat Lions in today's game and will be looking to register a victory in their quest for the playoffs spot. Punjab is riding on the back of two consecutive wins, while the Gujarat side will hope to turn the tables on the home side.
The Kings XI Punjab will hope to further their winning streak and strengthen their chances of featuring in the playoffs against a low-on-confidence Gujarat Lions. The Punjab side has been impeccable with the ball in the last two matches where they registered convincing wins, riding on the splendid performances by Sandeep Singh. The Punjab batting failed to click in the last match and would be hoping to go all guns blazing against the not-so-impressive Gujarat bowling.
The Gujarat side was heartbroken when they suffered a 7-wicket defeat at the hands of Delhi Daredevils even after posting a mammoth total of 208 on the board. The Lions suffered a major blow when they lost Brendon McCullum due to a hamstring injury. The bowling has been the weak link for the Gujarat side as Ravindra Jadeja has failed to fire for them. Skipper Suresh Raina and Dinesh Karthik have done the bulk of scoring for their side. Gujarat is already out of contention for the playoff's spot and has nothing to lose. Hence, they might end up upsetting the Punjab side.
Head to Head:
Kings XI Punjab leads the stats 2-1.
Last Meeting:
The Punjab side defeated the Gujarat Lions on their home turf by 26 runs riding on the brilliant 65-run knock by Hashim Amla and a splendid bowling performance by young leg-spinner KC Cariappa.
Predicted XI:
Kings XI Punjab:
Gujarat Lions:
Key Players:
Sandeep Sharma(KXIP): The Punjab bowler has swung the ball both ways in the tournament and has kept his team in striking distance of a playoff spot. Sharma has bagged 14 wickets at an average of 20 and a decent economy of 8.35. The Kings XI side will need the paceman to get them an early breakthrough and help them dominate the game from the get go.
Suresh Raina(GL): The skipper has been consistently brilliant with the bat for the Gujarat side and has scored 395 runs with an average of over 49 in the tournament. Raina has even contributed with the ball and has been economical on the occasions he has bowled. We hope Raina continues his brilliant form and inspires his team to strike the winning notes once again.
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
Time: 8 pm
TV Listings: Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Set Max, Sony ESPN