Overview
KKR is coming back after a poor performance against RCB. KKR’s batting woes were exposed. PBKS, on the other hand, would hope and believe that they would continue their good work after a powerful performance on RCB.
PBKS is one of the few teams that are still undefeated, which they would like to maintain and continue. KKR’s bowling arsenal was on display in their last match, making them a force to reckon with, especially when they had only 128 runs to defend.
The match will be played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and is expected to be a high-scoring affair because the track at Wankhede is a run-fest, and bowlers don’t have much to offer.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Tactics
KKR would hope that Andre Russell is fit 100% as his power-hitting attributes are a must as a short cameo of 30-35 runs can change the course of the match.
Russell, along with Shreyas, needs to make sure that a strong foundation is laid down for other batters to cash in. KKR’s main problem is that they lose wickets in packets, which is not at all a good sign, as a champion team needs to have some sort of patience.
KKR will need to overcome this, and most importantly, they need to amass over 180 runs. The death-overs area becomes pivotal, as does the role of Tim Southee, who has the habit of going to the cleaners. Southee needs to use his invaluable experience as he can’t be conceding 50 runs in his quota of overs.
KKR needs to make sure that they are not getting complacent as PBKS isn’t a champion side like them (*KKR has won the title twice in 2012 and 2014). In the IPL, any team can come out victorious against each other.
Probable XI: Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (c), Sam Billings, Andre Russell, Sheldon Jackson (wk), Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
Punjab Kings Tactics (PBKS)
PBKS was on a roll as they chased down 200+ runs against RCB. PBKS will be thrilled as Kagiso Rabada is back from South Africa. Rabada would be roaring to go as his express pace can outfox any batter on a given day.
PBKS fielding coach Jonty Rhodes said in a short interview that Rabada would be used as a power-play bowler, which makes him an exciting prospect.
PBKS would be hoping that Rabada finds his groove immediately as it takes time to get acclimatized to the conditions.
The likes of Shahrukh Khan will now be crystal clear about his role, as his job is to finish the matches.
PBKS also got Liam Livingstone, who is a pinch hitter, as his batting prowess would undoubtedly keep PBKS in good stead.
Punjab Kings’ primary strength is their batting, as they are capable of scoring 200+ runs with ease, making them a formidable force.
Probable XI: Mayank Agarwal(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk), Odean Smith, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Sandeep Sharma, Rahul Chahar
Final Verdict
At Wankhede Stadium, the team chasing has won, which means that chasing is a feasible option compared to defending due to the due factor.
The toss becomes a crucial factor, as the team winning the toss would undoubtedly choose to have a field first. All in all, the match at Wankhede promises to be a nail-biter.
As we can expect scores in the range of 200, both teams have got what it takes to defeat and come out victorious. As it is often said, cricket is a game of uncertainty.
KKR vs PBKS Fantasy Picks:
Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, S Iyer, S Khan
Wicketkeeper: B. Rajpaksa
All-Rounders: Andre Russell, V Iyer, Odean Smith, S Narine
Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, U Yadav, K Rabada
Captain: S Narine
Vice-Captain: Odean Smith
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