The 2nd phase of IPL has seen a brilliant rise of KKR. They have won 3 out of their 4 games played in the UAE. KKR will be up against an inconsistent Punjab side. A win for both teams will surely decide their fate of qualifying for the playoffs. It promises to be an engaging battle. Here you can find KKR vs PK Match Predictions.
KKR vs PK Match Predictions: Form Preview
KKR storm in UAE:
The Kolkata Knight Riders have stormed the second leg of IPL 2021 in UAE. They have won 3 out of their 4 games here. KKR to their credit have defeated top sides: RCB, MI, and DC. They are the only team to have run CSK close in UAE. KKR have a solid NRR to back them up currently.
Their top order has set a great pace in most of the games. But the phase where KKR have dominated completely are the middle overs. Their spin duo has been on top of most opposition. They have strangled teams in this phase. KKR will move to a truer wicket in Dubai. They will be up against a consistently inconsistent side. KKR will look to go in for the kill.
Punjab’s season of regret continues:
Punjab were better placed than KKR before the 2nd phase of IPL. But now they find themselves well behind them. Punjab have no one else but themselves to blame. They made a meal of a run chase against RR failing to score 10 off the last 15 deliveries. But in the very next game, they held their nerve to defend a score of 125 odd against SRH. It appeared as if things are slowly falling in place for Punjab but they flattered to deceive against MI. Their top-order in the absence of Mayank Agarwal showed zero intent. Punjab went on to eventually lose comprehensively. They will be up against a stiffer opponent in KKR. But they are one side who continue to surprise at times even themselves.
KKR vs PK: Favourites?
The team from the East have created quite a storm in UAE. They look unstoppable currently. KKR run into a misfiring Punjab. It promises to be an intriguing contest.
Which players will be match-winners in this game?
KL Rahul will be key to nullify KKR’s spin twins.
Chris Gayle has a stellar record against KKR.
X-factor player:
Sunil Narine has a brilliant record against Punjab. He surely will be KKR’s big X-factor!
Ravi Bishnoi bowled a wonderful spell against MI. He will be crucial to negate KKR’s big hitters.
Probable Playing XI:
Kolkata Knight Riders predicted XI:
Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy, Prasidh Krishna
Punjab Kings predicted XI:
KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Aiden Markram, Shahrukh Khan/ Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Chris Jordan/ Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh
What do stats say about KKR vs PK?
KKR and PK have played 28 IPL games against each other.
KKR has won 19 games. PK has won 9 matches.
KKR’s highest score against PK is 245. PK’s highest score against KKR is 214.
KKR’s lowest score against PK is 109. PK’s lowest score against KKR is 119.
Pitch:
The Dubai pitch does offer a bit for everyone. The batsmen can trust the true bounce. There will be swing early on. The early movement was quite evident in the match featuring MI and CSK. But if the openers are able to ride the early challenge then they might be in for a big knock.
Weather Report:
A high of 38 degrees and a low of 29 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. Dew might not play a big factor in Dubai.
Ground stats:
A total of 65 matches has been played at this venue. Teams batting first have won 35 games while chasing teams have won 29. The average scoring batting first at this venue is 144. On the other hand, the average 2nd innings score is a paltry 122. Anything above 160 will be a par score batting first.
StumpsandBails verdict:
It is a battle between KKR’s consistency and Punjab’s inconsistency. The winner will surely take it all!
Also read: Top 5 Bowlers With Most Wickets In A Single Season
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