KKR vs PBKS Preview – Kolkata look to unleash spin power against Punjab
Two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders will square off against Punjab Kings in the 53rd match of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2023 at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. The two sides met each other in the initial phase of the IPL 2023 in Mohali, and the teams put up a tough fight before Punjab eventually won the game by seven runs, courtesy of the DLS method.
Kolkata Knight Riders are backed with a victory from their previous game. They met the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 47th game and clinched a magnificent five-run victory. They got back to winning ways and would be hoping to put up a similar performance. The top order needs to fire for KKR so as to set the momentum for the middle-order batters to build the innings.
Punjab Kings have had a topsy-turvy ride in the tournament so far. After a humiliating defeat against Lucknow Super Giants at home, they defeated the Chennai Super Kings in their next game before losing to Mumbai Indians in their most recent game. Notably, PBKS have notched up 200+ scores four times in a row and would be hoping to put up similar batting efforts.
Pitch and conditions
The surface at the Eden Gardens has proved to be a nightmare for the bowlers, as batters make the most of it. The bowlers face difficulty and will have an uphill task of maintaining line and length so as to restrict the hitters.
Venue details: Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata
Last T20 match at the venue: KKR – 179/7 (20 overs) | GT– 180/3 (20 overs)
Probable playing XI for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings clash:
Kolkata Knight Riders
The Nitish Rana-led side will be gunning for a victory, and the race to the playoffs has begun. Several teams, including the Punjab Kings, are in contention to make it to the top four and hence, KKR will have to give their best from here on.
Punjab Kings
Shikhar Dhawan’s return to the playing XI bolstered Punjab’s batting unit. The team has managed to cross the 200-run mark four times in a row now, proving that the batting unit can pull off a big target. To cut the batters some clack, the bowlers will have to do good.
