Match 25: KXIP v/s KKR Preview
After dishing out a last over thriller in Kolkata last Sunday, Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders will lock horns again today at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. With four points apiece, both teams will be keen to register a win and move to the top half in the points table.
The hosts, after a disappointing start to the tournament, have bounced back into the contention with back to back wins, thanks mainly to their bowlers. While the attack made good use of the conditions in Mohali, to restrict the Pune Warriors to just 115 and set up a 7 wicket win, they held their nerves to defend 134 and eke out a narrow two wicket win.
On the other hand, Kolkata with all the big names in their squad, have largely under-performed in the tournament so far. They have ended up on the wrong side in a couple of close games and Gautam Gambhir‘s men will have their task cut out in Mohali.
In the last match here, overnight rains meant there was plenty to be exploited for the seamers. The pacemen will again have a big role to play on a track which has traditionally been bouncy in nature.
Head to Head:
Historically, things are very even between the two sides. In eight previous meetings, both teams have registered four victories each.
Players to Watch out for:
Kings XI Punjab
Shaun Marsh
With a bit of a bounce on the wicket and conditions conducive to swing bowling, the Aussie will be a vital cog in the KXIP’s scheme of things. He took the team home in the last game here with an elegant 64 and his expertise at playing the horizontal shots will once again be the key.
Dimitri Mascarenhas
The all-rounder was the star in Kings XI Punjab’s last win here and his experience of playing in English conditions will come in handy. Apart from his medium pacers, he can be a very useful customer with the bat down the order as well.
David Hussey
The Australian Twenty20 specialist played a useful knock in Kolkata to rescue the innings after two early wickets before a runout brought his downfall. He will look to carry on the good work and stay right till the end of the innings where he can cause mayhem.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Jacques Kallis
The big South African all-rounder has had a rather quiet IPL this time around but in these testing conditions he can play a very important role for KKR. While his solid presence at the top of the order will help to stabilize the innings, he can be useful with the ball as well.
Gautam Gambhir
The last game here proved that the specialists will have a big role to play in Mohali, and Gambhir who has a proven record in the shortest format of the game, will have the responsibility of laying down a solid platform for the visitors.
Brett Lee
Pace and bounce has always been Lee’s ally and the speedster should find himself back in the playing XI as he can make a big impact here.
Match Prediction:
With two consecutive wins, Kings XI Punjab have the momentum with them and in favorable home conditions they should come out on top. But they have to be at the top of their game as KKR have many impact players who can change the course of the game in quick time.
Other articles that might interest you :
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/17/robust-royals-beat-clumsy-chargers/
https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/18/royal-challengers-achieve-an-improbable-last-over-victory-against-pune-warriors/