Big test for Punjab King bowlers against KKR's batting firepower  

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Philip Salt has odds of 3.65 to be Kolkata Knight Riders' best batsman  
• Jonny Bairstow has odds of 3.15 to be Punjab Kings' best batsman  
• Varun Chakravarthy has odds of 3.95 to be Kolkata Knight Riders' best bowler  
• Harshal Patel has odds of 3.45 to be Punjab Kings' best bowler  

MATCH PREVIEW     

We have seen close contests in recent games in the Indian Premier League 2024. The Kolkata Knight Riders have been part of a couple of them, and they will look for another win as they take on the Punjab Kings in the 42nd Match. KKR won a nail-biting game against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and have improved their odds in the tournament, sitting second on the points table. The Punjab Kings lost to the Gujarat Titans in the last game and are going through a rough patch. They must win this game to keep hopes alive for a berth in the next round. It will be interesting to see if they can mount a strong challenge for KKR in the latter's home ground.  

Kolkata Knight Riders Preview     

Shreyas Iyer's side has made the biggest news this season. They weren't the favorites on cricket betting apps at the start, but the side has improved its standing with consistent performances. They defeated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a thrilling contest by 1 run to move up to the second spot on the points table. Iyer would look to ride this momentum and take his team a step closer to the playoffs by winning this game.  

Philip Salt and Sunil Narine are delivering good starts at the top, and the side expects a similar show from this pair. Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, and Shreyas Iyer would look to pace the innings well in the middle overs and take on the Punjab Kings' bowlers. The lower middle order has won them games, and they will expect quick runs from Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, and Ramandeep Singh.  

The bowling attack must get its acts together in this crucial phase. The side has relied on the batters and needs a good spell with the new ball from Mitchell Starc and Harshit Rana. Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy form a strong pair and must do well in the middle overs. Suyash Sharma and Andre Russell complete a strong attack for the team.  

Expected Starting XI for Kolkata Knight Riders     

Shreyas Iyer (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine, Philip Salt (wk), Ramandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Mitchell Starc, Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Impact Player) 

Punjab Kings Preview     

Shikhar Dhawan's presence in this game is doubtful, and Sam Curran will lead the side in his absence. In the last game, the side went down by 3 wickets against the Gujarat Titans. They need to win this one to move up on the points table and improve their odds on cricket betting sites. They face an in-form opponent and must be at their best to win.  

The side will need a strong start in this game from Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh. In the middle order, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma, and Liam Livingstone must add runs, as they have failed to do so in the last couple of games. Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma have done well, and the side will have big expectations from them in the lower middle order.   

Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh haven't been consistent, and the side needs a good show from them at the start of the innings. Harshal Patel has been the pick of the bowler, and he must do well in the middle overs with Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar. The side will need Sam Curran and Livingstone to deliver the goods in the supporting roles.   

Expected Starting XI for Punjab Kings     

Sam Curran (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh Rahul Chahar (Impact Player)  

TOSS: To Bowl First      

Batting conditions shall be difficult in the early overs when the ball shall move. In most games, we have seen the wicket ease as the game progresses. Both captains shall have this on their minds at the toss, and the side winning the toss is likely to bowl first.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

We expect a warm evening in Kolkata. The batting surface has been good, though the spinners have gotten rewards from this track. Batsmen can play on the up without worrying about the bounce and pace. The side batting first will need 180 runs on the board to feel confident.  

OUR PREDICTION          

Punjab Kings are in a dire situation and must win this game. The batting lineup hasn't been consistent, and the bowling attack has failed to trouble opponents. They will need a collective effort to win this game. The Kolkata Knight Riders are destroying opponents and have a strong bowling attack, making them favorites.  

Our prediction is for Kolkata Knight Riders to win.  

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