IPL 2024 Match 42, KKR vs PBKS | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

KKR vs PBKS Clash will take place at Eden Gardens (AP Photo)

The Indian Premier League is currently underway in full swing with it's 42nd clash already here. Eden Gardens, Kolkata will host their home-team Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) on 26 April, Friday for an enthralling clash.

KKR, currently standing second on the points table, are riding high on momentum with five wins out of seven matches. Meanwhile, PBKS finds themselves in a tough spot, languishing at the ninth position after managing to secure victory in only two out of their eight matches.

KKR vs PBKS: Team Previews

Kolkata Knight Riders

For KKR, the season has seen stellar performances from several players. Phil Salt has been a revelation with his explosive batting, including a blistering 48 off just 14 balls in the last encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Harshit Rana has been consistent with both bat and ball, while Sunil Narine's all-round brilliance, highlighted by a maiden IPL century, adds depth to the squad. However, concerns linger over Mitchell Starc's form, with the Australian speedster failing to make significant impacts.

Andre Russell, although not in his best batting form, has compensated with his bowling prowess, often turning the tide in KKR's favor. The team has shown resilience as a unit, with contributions from the likes of Rinku Singh bolstering their lineup. However, they will need to address Starc's inconsistencies to maintain their winning streak.

Punjab Kings

PBKS will be banking on the likes of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma to lead the charge with the bat. Both players have shown promise in stabilizing the innings, with Singh averaging an impressive 48.75. 

Liam Livingstone's lackluster performance remains a concern for the team, adding pressure on the middle order.

In the bowling department, Harshal Patel's stellar form makes him a key player for PBKS, with his ability to pick up crucial wickets. Stand-in skipper Sam Curran has also been among the wickets, providing support in the bowling lineup. 

However, PBKS will need to address their batting woes and find a way to tackle KKR's formidable bowling attack.

KKR vs PBKS: Match Details & Live Streaming

KKR vs PBKS: Eden Gardens Stadium Pitch Report

Eden Gardens traditionally offers batsmen a favorable platform, with its smaller boundaries and swift outfield. Typically, pitches here are flat with consistent bounce, ideal for stroke-making. 

Pacers may find some bounce initially, while spinners will come into play later in the game as the surface offers turn and bounce. In the four IPL 2024 matches held here, the average first-innings score is 197, with two wins for chasing teams. Expect the toss-winning team to opt for bowling first.

KKR vs PBKS: Probable Playing XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders: Phil Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Shreyas Iyer (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Dushmantha Chameera, Suyash Sharma

Impact Players: Nitish Rana, Venkatesh Iyer, Vaibhav Arora, Mitchell Starc, Anukul Roy

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Sam Curran (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Impact players: Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Atharva Taide, Rahul Chahar, Shivam Singh, Vidhwath Kaverappa

KKR vs PBKS: Fantoss Fantasy Tips

KKR vs PBKS: Winner Prediction

Kolkata Knight Riders, especially at their home are going to be hard to beat by Punjab Kings who have had a mix n match of a season. Hence, expect KKR to win this clash.

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