It’s a mid-table clash tonight, i.e., April 15, at 7:30 PM IST at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh as number six Punjab Kings (PBKS) take on number five Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
PBKS, under leader Shreyas Iyer, enter this match with a strong team that includes aggressive hitters, experienced all-rounders, and effective bowlers. The unit suffered a heavy blow in their last game as it faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Nevertheless, the side backed by Ricky Ponting will be aiming to overcome that loss and will gear up to get back to winning ways. Priyansh Arya, who hit a magnificent century against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), will lead the pack along with Prabhsimran Singh. The franchise will also approach in Chandigarh aggressively, with Iyer anchoring the team. Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, and Shashank Singh provide valuable all-round support to the middle order. Punjab’s bowling attack is led by Lockie Ferguson and Arshdeep Singh, with Yuzvendra Chahal providing spin.
The defending champions boast a lethal combination of power hitters and world-class bowlers. Quinton de Kock and Sunil Narine had an excellent outing at the start of the innings and will hope to continue their dominance. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane also had showcased a different self with the bat as he has been more aggressive than ever. Providing steadiness in the middle overs are Rinku Singh and Venkatesh Iyer, with Andre Russell hammering towards the end. Russell is yet to show his strength in this year’s IPL and on Chandigarh’s batting wicket. Kolkata also has a formidable bowling attack, with Moeen Ali, Harshit Rana, and Vaibhav Arora delivering pace and Varun Chakaravarthy and Narine controlling the middle overs with spin.
Head-to-Head:
Both units have taken on each other 33 times in the IPL, of which KKR have won 21 times, while PBKS have come out victorious on 12 occasions.
Where-to-Watch:
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