IPL 2017: Kings XI Punjab v Kolkata Knight Riders, Game 49 – Match Result Predictions

The Kings XI Punjab looked all set in their quest to make it to the playoffs. However, a defeat at the hands of Gujarat Lions has pulled them on the backfoot. Now, even if they win all their remaining fixtures, they might still not be making it to the playoffs. It might all come down to the net run rate eventually. They have 3 matches at their disposal with the first of the remaining three being against Kolkata Knight Riders.

The Knight Riders have been in a rampaging form this season. They had a slight stutter midway but seem to be on a winning run again. KKR crushed the Royal Challengers Bangalore in their previous match. With over 100 runs in the powerplay, they seem to have found the most attacking opening pair in the tournament. The opening duo of Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine will be against the swing of Sandeep Singh who has been exceptional with the new ball.

A win in the match would confirm the playoffs berth for the Knight Riders as they are currently placed at second spot with 16 points to their credit. On the other hand, a win for KXIP will help them stay alive in the hunt. They have 10 points to their name and will move to 12 points if they win. With the business end of the tournament nearing, expect things to get heated up in the match.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:                   

Scenario 1: KKR will win the toss

Toss Prediction: KKR will choose to bowl

First innings prediction: 170-185

2nd innings Prediction: KXIP will win by 10-15 runs.

Scenario 2: KXIP will win the toss

Toss Prediction: KXIP will choose to bowl

First innings Prediction: 180-190

2nd innings Prediction: KXIP will win by 5 wickets.

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 20, KKR Won – 14, KXIP Won – 6

The Knight Riders and the Kings have met in 20 occasions in the history of the tournament. By and large, it has been the KKR camp that has dominated the head-to-head proceedings. In the 20 matches that the two teams have played against one another, KKR has won 14 of them and KXIP have registered 6 of them. Considering the matches at the venue of Mohali, the Knights hold an upper edge there as well. In the 5 matches played at Mohali, KKR nose ahead with 3 wins. The last time these two sides met earlier this season at Kolkata, KKR had won by 8 wickets.

Team Combinations:

Kings XI Punjab

The KXIP camp would feel a little let down going into the game. They will not have the services of Hashim Amla since he has to join the South African camp for national duties. It is unlikely that he will be playing the game against KKR. In case he does not, Darren Sammy might get his first game of the season. Also, the team will have to promote Manan Vohra at the top order to open with Martin Guptill.

Varun Aaron had a very mediocre outing with the ball in the game against Gujarat Lions. Ishant Sharma could walk into the lineup at his expense or perhaps someone like KC Cariappa could make the cut. Gurkeerat Singh Mann might be dropped after a lacklustre outing.

Predicted XI:  Manan Vohra, Martin Guptill, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell (c), Wriddhiman Saha (w), Darren Sammy, Axar Patel, Mohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma, Sandeep Sharma, T Natarajan.

Kolkata Knight Riders

The KKR team is unlikely to make too many changes in their lineup. The top order has been firing well with the bat and the new found opening duo seem to be firing the right areas. Piyush Chawla is likely to retain his place in the lineup as the Kings XI Punjab skipper Glenn Maxwell has had his moments of awkwardness against the leg spinners. Nathan Coulter-Nile might walk in the side for Chris Woakes in the lineup.

Barring this change, the team should go in with the same core group of players. Umesh Yadav and Ankit Rajpoot did a decent job with the ball in the previous game. The injury update on Robin Uthappa is still not clear and hence Sheldon Jackson might have to be the wicketkeeper again.

Predicted XI: Sunil Narine, Gautam Gambhir (c), Chris Lynn, Manish Pandey, Sheldon Jackson (w), Yusuf Pathan, Chris Woakes, Colin de Grandhomme, Ankit Rajpoot, Piyush Chawla, Umesh Yadav.

Given KKR terrific run in the season, they will definitely start favorites but you can never rule out the Kings XI Punjab as they are the desperate side seeking a win today.

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.