With four consecutive wins, King XI Punjab (KXIP) will be looking to make it 5 and enter into the top 4 in the points table as they clash with 4th placed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a must win match for both teams.
KXIP, who beats Sunrisers Hyderabad in a low scoring match, will be happy with the resurgence in their death bowling but will want their batsmen to play well. KXIP’s three of the last four wins have come in Dubai but were successful in trouncing RCB in a last bowl thriller at Sharjah. KXIP have won one and lost one game in Sharjah.
KKR, who convincingly beat Delhi Capitals in their previous game, will be happy with the return of Sunil Narine to the team as his batting took DC’s bowlers to the cleaners. Nitish Rana justified his promotion to open the innings in the last game by smashing 81 runs in 53 bowls. KKR have lost both the games they have played in Sharjah.
Bowlers of both teams have done well in their last games. For KXIP, if Mayank Agarwal is fit then Mandeep Singh will have to make way for Mayank. For KKR, Shubman Gill and Dinesh Karthik’s form will be a worry as both have been inconsistent throughout this season. KKR would want both to fire this game.
The last time these sides played against each other, KKR sneaked away with 2 points, beating Punjab by just 2 runs. KL Rahul’s men will look to do right this time. The upcoming match is key as the IPL nears the end with four teams (KKR, KXIP, RR and SRH) battling for the 4th position. Neither of the teams can afford a slip up.
