IPL 2018, KKR vs CSK Match Prediction: Who will win today's match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings
CSK and KKR take on each other knowing that a win either way will go a long way in deciding the teams' fortunes in IPL 2018. CSK are sitting pretty at the top of the table and a win would all but guarantee their progress to the playoffs while KKR know that a win will be essential as teams are quickly closing in on the fourth place that Dinesh Karthik's side currently occupy.
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Date: 3rd May, 2018
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Time: 8.00 PM IST
If Kolkata Knight Riders bat first
Predicted Score - 165+
KKR are currently in fourth place but they know that they have been far from consistent so far this season. They have relied on their spin trio far too often to get them victories. Against a batting line-up that is perfectly equipped to handle the spin threat, they will need to find another way to ensure CSK don't run away with the game.
One way would be to post a big total after electing to bat first. That won't be too hard, especially if one of Sunil Narine or Chris Lynn gets a hold of CSK's relatively weak new ball attack. They would also need Robin Uthappa, who has been far too hit-or-miss so far this season, to come good. The fitness of Nitish Rana will be something that KKR fans will be sweating on and whether he plays or not will have an impact on how much they finish with.
Dinesh Karthik has been excellent as the anchor of a run chase and has shown that his ability to accelerate is one of his finest attributes. With Andre Russell as well in the middle-order, they have enough firepower to get at the CSK bowling line-up.
Against a side, who, barring KM Asif, don't have the explosive pace to stop them, KKR should be relatively comfortable. But they should also ensure that they don't fall into the trap of underestimating the spinners. If they don't, then a total in excess of 165 shouldn't be out of the question.
If Chennai Super Kings bat first
Predicted Score - 170+
Although CSK have made more changes than they usually do, much of it has been down to injuries. They look unlikely to change the side that beat Delhi Daredevils, especially since they changed the batting line-up and still came out on top.
Faf du Plessis and Shane Watson will continue to open the batting for CSK, despite Ambati Rayudu's incredible form as an opener this season. The only real concern for CSK has been the form of Suresh Raina, who hasn't looked his usual self so far. Although he has been among the runs, he hasn't looked fluent and is hanging back and moving across far too much for CSK's comfort.
The biggest boost for CSK has been the form of MS Dhoni, who has been simply sensational so far. Not only is he the side's second-leading run-getter but he is also getting those runs at a rapid pace and gone back to being vintage Dhoni. With the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Rayudu in the middle-order, CSK should have enough in the tank to get over 170, especially against a KKR bowling line-up that doesn't have the tools to stop them at the death.
Match Prediction
It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this battle between a batting-heavy line-up and one that has relied a great deal on its spinners. While the surface at Kolkata will certainly assist the spinners, KKR aren't the only team that boast of good spinners. The fact that CSK's batsmen are in better form will give them the advantage. Although KKR will know the conditions better, an in-form CSK team should have enough to come out on top.
KKR vs CSK Live Score
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