The record for Punjab Kings (PBKS) against the Kolkata Knight Rider (KKR) are so poor, especially at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In the 12 KKR vs PBKS clashes, the hosts have gained victory in nine encounters. Since 2019, the two-time champions have been unbeaten in the KKR vs PBKS clashes at home.
The biggest issue for Punjab has been their top and middle order in the batting. When it comes to batting contributions from the top five, Punjab have been poor in this Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. In eight innings, their top five have gathered only 744 runs at an average of 19.08 with a strike rate of 124.
In contrast, Kolkata have been excellent with the batting performances from their top five. They have gathered 987 runs in 625 balls at an average of 32.90 with a strike rate of 157.92.
However, both teams have a similar fate when it comes to their bowling in the death overs (16-20) during this IPL 2024. KKR bowlers have gone for an economy of 11.03 in seven innings in the period, while the runners-up from 2014 have leaked runs at an economy of 11.40.
But because The Knight Riders have held their nerve in tense situations in most of the games in this IPL, they are currently in the second position with five wins at a net run rate of +1.206. PBKS, on the flip of the coin, have dropped down to the ninth position with a solitary win.
Also Read: IPL 2024: SRH vs RCB Match Prediction- Match 41, Who Will Win Today IPL Match?
| Match | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings |
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Date & Time | Friday, April 26, 7:30 pm (IST) |
| Live Broadcast & Streaming Details | Star Sports Channels, Jio Cinema App and Website |
KKR vs PBKS Pitch Report:
The Pitch at Eden Gardens, Kolkata generally suits high-scoring encounters. The pacers have found good carry and bounce, while the ball has turned for those spinners, who have used their skills. The team that wins the toss will look to bowl first, because of the dew factor.
KKR vs PBKS Head-to-Head Record
| Matches Played | 32 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders Won | 21 |
| Punjab Kings Won | 11 |
| No Result | 00 |
| First Played | May 03, 2008 |
| Last Played | May 08, 2023 |
Also Read: IPL 2024: SRH vs RCB Live Streaming, Where to Watch IPL Live in India? Match 41
KKR vs PBKS Probable Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Phil Salt (wk.), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma.
Punjab Kings (PBKS): Sam Curran (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Jitesh Sharma (wk.), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Singh, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada.
Impact Sub: Arshdeep Singh.
KKR vs PBKS Best Players Prediction
Best Batter Prediction: Andre Russell
Without a shade of doubt, Andre Russell has been a vital member of KKR. The all-rounder has managed 408 runs in 12 innings against PBKS (known as Kings XI Punjab) at an average of 40.8 with a strike rate of 200 in three fifties. Even in this IPL 2024, he has a strike rate of 184.52. His performance will be key for KKR.
Best Bowler Prediction: Sunil Narine
Whenever it comes to bowling against Punjab, Sunil Narine feels himself ten feet taller. The off-spinner has a remarkable record of 33 wickets against this franchise. In the first two games at Eden, he didn’t go for a single boundary. In this IPL 2024, he has picked up nine wickets at an economy of just over seven. It goes without saying how vital his four overs would be.
KKR vs PBKS Match Winner Prediction
Going by the form in IPL 2024, in the KKR vs PBKS clash, the former looks set to get their sixth victory of the season.
