IPL 2017, RPS vs KKR: 5 winning factors
By winning three consecutive games, Rising Pune Supergiant have gained momentum and climbed to fourth spot in the points table. On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders are sitting comfortably in second and have displayed some high-quality cricket, but their old habit of panicking at crucial moments still exists.
Hence when both teams meet on Wednesday in Pune, the aim will be to continue the winning streak and further consolidate their positions in the points table. Both teams have balanced lineups and hence it is going to be an interesting contest between bat and ball.
Extra Cover: RPS vs KKR Match Prediction: Who will win today's match between Rising Pune Supergiant and Kolkata Knight Riders
So far, KKR have played three away games, winning two of them, while Pune have also won two of their three games played at their home venue – this match promises to be a fascinating experience for fans.
Here are five winning factors for both teams.
#1 With the bat
So far in the IPL, there have been five instances of a batsman scoring a half-century from the top three of KKR in seven matches. From these five occasions, KKR lost only once. For Kolkata, the winning formula is simple: get runs from the top three. Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa and their surprise package, Sunil Narine, must fire if the team wants to win the Pune encounter.
Between overs 4 to 8, Kolkata scored less than 35 runs in three matches and they lost two of these matches. This stat shows how vital good starts are for KKR, which will be the same case against Pune. Hence, Gambhir and Co. have to ensure they don’t run out of fuel after getting a quick start.
For Rising Pune Supergiant, the top order is extremely crucial for winning. Out of the seven matches played this year, the Steve Smith-led team have managed to score five 50-run plus partnerships for the first and second wicket. From these five matches, they have won four games. The focus will be on the trio of Rahane, Tripathi, and Smith.