KKR Vs PBKS Preview: Punjab face tricky Kolkata trip as playoffs race heats up

KKR Vs PBKS Preview: Punjab Kings had defeated KKR by 7 runs in a rain-marred game when both the teams met earlier this season.

The 53rd  match of the Indian Premier League 2023 will be played at the Eden Gardens, where the Kolkata Knight Riders will face off against the Punjab Kings.

KKR won their previous match, resulting in a total of 4 victories out of the 10 matches played thus far. In their most recent encounter, they defeated SRH by a margin of 5 runs. With a crucial upcoming match against PBKS, KKR will be eager to secure another win since every game from this point forward is critical in keeping their hopes alive for a place in the top 4.

PBKS suffered a defeat in their previous match, bringing their tally of wins to 5 out of 10 matches played thus far. In their most recent encounter, they lost by 6 wickets. With an upcoming match against KKR, PBKS will be determined to secure a win, especially considering that they have already defeated KKR once this season. This victory is crucial for PBKS to stay in the race for a top 4 spot.

In their meet-up earlier this season, PBKS posted 191/5 with Bhanuka Rajapaksa's 50 off 32 balls and Arshdeep Singh's 3/19 restricted KKR to 146/7, helping PBKS win the match by 7 runs via the DLS method. KKR lost wickets regularly, with Arshdeep and Sikandar Raza breaking partnerships, and Russell hitting 20 off 11. Venkatesh Iyer smacked a six off a Free-Hit ball, but Arshdeep picked up his wicket and the rain ended play with KKR seven runs behind on DLS par.

KKR Vs PBKS: Pitch Report

Eden Gardens is reputed for its batting-friendly nature, enabling batters to score runs with ease due to the ball coming onto the bat smoothly. Though seamers may receive some assistance in the initial phases, the pitch overall favors the batsmen.

KKR Vs PBKS: Team News

Having won their last game against SRH, KKR may retain their playing XI and not make any changes for their next match against PBKS.

PBKS, despite losing their last match, could potentially maintain their current playing XI in the upcoming game against KKR.

KKR Vs PBKS: Head to Head

Matches – 31

Kolkata Knight Riders – 20

Punjab Kings – 11 

KKR Vs PBKS: Players to watch

Kolkata Knight Riders: Jason Roy

KKR have been revitalized by Jason Roy's recent performances, having scored 180 runs in his last four matches, including two half-centuries. His contribution has been crucial, especially with the openers struggling, and the team will rely on him to continue his excellent form against PBKS in the next match.

Punjab Kings: Liam Livingstone

Liam Livingstone's recent form has been crucial for PBKS, scoring 40 against CSK and 82 against MI in their last match. His performance will continue to be vital for the team in their upcoming matches, including the one against MI, as he aims to play another crucial innings and help his team to victory.

KKR Vs PBKS: Probable Playing XIs:

Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Playing XI:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Jason Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana (c), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI:

Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Rishi Dhawan, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

KKR Vs PBKS: Match Facts

In 31 matches between the teams, KKR have won 20 and PBKS have won 11.

Nitish Rana needs 44 more runs to reach 2500 runs in IPL.

PBKS emerged victorious the last time these two sides met.

KKR Vs PBKS: Live Broadcasting

IND: Star Sports Network (TV) | JioCinema (Live Streaming)

UK: DAZN, Sky Sports

AUS: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports