Beginning in a topsy-turvy fashion, Kolkata Kight Riders suddenly finds themselves having to beat a formidable Mumbai Indians (MI), who are at the top of the table at the moment, to keep alive their hopes for a slot that will give them two chances to make it to the final. KKR has had a rather poor last few matches, having lost three of their last four games.

Mumbai Indians have also lost two consecutive games and suddenly find themselves in a place, where a top-two finish is still not guaranteed. Kolkata needs to win this game to take their tally to 18 points, same as of their opponents and remain in contention for a second-place finish.

At the same time, both sides will keep an eye on Rising Pune Supergiant, who have two matches to go and could well end up with 20 points.

Chris Lynn’s 84 off 52 balls went in vain, as Kolkata Knight Riders slumped to a 14-run defeat against Kings XI Punjab in their IPL 2017 clash. The loss has put on hold KKR’s entry into the playoffs.

On other the hand, Mumbai has already qualified with 18 points, though they have registered a few loss lately.

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER:

Mumbai Indians had scalped an emphatic win over Kolkata Knight Riders in the match 7 of the IPL 2017 at the Wankhede Stadium. One of the best matches of IPL it was by far. Mumbai stayed calm in the crunch situation while KKR seemed like having a nervous breakdown to lose the game.

But the crowd went home thoroughly entertained. Nitish Rana made a 29 ball 50 and was adjudged Man Of The Match. Also, Manish Pandey’s fireworks earlier in the match helped Kolkata post a formidable total of 178 runs. Pandey remained unbeaten at 81 runs in 47 balls.

Mumbai was off to a very bright side but lost the plot in the middle overs. KKR spinners were simply brilliant to keep a check on Mumbai’s run rate and build the pressure on them. However, the duo of Nitish Rana and Hardik Pandya, in the end, proved too good for the visitors. Mumbai at one point needed 49 runs from the last three overs. But Pandy and Rana’s brilliance smoothly took Mumbai Indians to a brilliant win and their first two points in this season.

HEAD TO HEAD:

KKR and MI had played 18 matches so far against each other. Out of which MI had won 13 while KKR had only won five matches.

MATCH PREDICTION:

Eden Gardens has been the fortress of KKR. Looking at the fact that KKR has lost matches lately making them keen to win this encounter and seal a last-four berth.

KKR had an excellent record this season so they would love to chase the score down. A decent score of 180 to 190 would be enough to chase and win.