The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will lock horns with the struggling Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 42 of IPL 2024. The contest is scheduled to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on April 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM IST.
While KKR are currently riding high at the top of the points table with five wins, PBKS are desperate to revive their season, having managed only two victories so far. With key players in form for both sides, this match promises to be a thrilling contest full of fantasy cricketz opportunities.
Match Details
- Fixture: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings, Match 42
- Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Broadcast: Star Sports & JioCinema
Head-to-Head Record
Out of the 32 matches played between KKR and PBKS, Kolkata have emerged victorious on 21 occasions, while Punjab have won 11 times. At Eden Gardens, the home advantage has often favored KKR, making them the likely favorites in this clash.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report: Eden Gardens is known for its batting-friendly surface. High scores are a common feature, with recent matches exceeding the 220-run mark. The pitch offers even bounce, and the dew factor in night games gives the chasing side an advantage.
Weather Forecast: The weather in Kolkata is expected to be warm, with temperatures around 37°C. Humidity will hover around 41%, and wind speeds will be moderate. Rain is not expected, making it a full 20-over game.
Probable Playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Philip Salt (wk)
- Sunil Narine
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Shreyas Iyer (c)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Andre Russell9
- Rinku Singh
- Ramandeep Singh
- Mitchell Starc
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Harshit Rana
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Rilee Rossouw
- Sam Curran (c)
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Liam Livingstone
- Shashank Singh
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Harpreet Brar
- Harshal Patel
- Kagiso Rabada
- Arshdeep Singh
Key Players to Watch Out For
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Sunil Narine: With 286 runs at a strike rate of 176.54 and 9 wickets to his name, Narine has been KKR’s most valuable asset this season. His dual role as an explosive opener and mystery spinner makes him a must-have in Dream11 teams.
- Andre Russell: A seasoned all-rounder, Russell has scored 155 runs and picked up 9 wickets. His ability to perform under pressure can tilt the game in KKR’s favor.
- Philip Salt: Known for aggressive starts, Salt is currently one of the most destructive openers in the tournament. He recently smashed 48 runs off just 14 balls, showing the kind of form that fantasy players crave.
Punjab Kings
- Sam Curran: As PBKS captain and a key all-rounder, Curran has scored 152 runs and taken 11 wickets. He can contribute in all departments and is a strong vice-captaincy option in fantasy leagues.
- Shashank Singh: A surprise package this season, Shashank leads PBKS in run-scoring with 195 runs at a strike rate of 168.10. His consistency has added stability to the middle order.
- Harshal Patel: The experienced pacer has taken 13 wickets so far. Known for his slower deliveries and yorkers, Patel is an excellent pick for death-over bowling points in Dream11.
Dream11 Fantasy Team Predictions
Team Option 1
Wicketkeeper: Philip Salt
Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi
All-rounders: Sunil Narine (C), Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran (VC)
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Harshit Rana, Kagiso Rabada
Team Option 2
Wicketkeepers: Philip Salt, Prabhsimran Singh
Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Shashank Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi
All-rounders: Sunil Narine (C), Andre Russell, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran (VC)
Bowlers: Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
Captain Choice: Sunil Narine
Vice-Captain Choice: Sam Curran
These combinations provide a good balance of power-hitters, in-form bowlers, and proven all-rounders to score maximum fantasy points.
Match Prediction
KKR have been in excellentJ form this season and hold a strong historical record against PBKS. Their depth in batting and variety in bowling give them the edge at their home ground. However, Punjab cannot be ruled out entirely, especially if key players like Sam Curran and Shashank Singh step up. Still, KKR start as favorites and are expected to take home the win.
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