IPL 2022, KKR vs PBKS: Preview, stats, and Fantasy XI
Match number eight of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season sees Kolkata Knight Riders take on a resurgent Punjab Kings on Friday. KKR have won one and lost one game so far. However, in the loss versus Royal Challengers Bangalore, they showed enough character. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings decimated RCB in their opening match. Here we present the complete match preview.
A look at the pitch report
The match is slated to take place on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The track at the Wankhede has assisted the pacers early on with the new ball moving off the deck. However, batters enjoy more as the match progresses. Dew will have a role as well. Whichever side wins the toss will look to bowl first here.
Can KKR bounce back?
KKR batted poorly versus RCB and paid the price. They played too many rash shots and that backfired. The bowlers must be credited for making something out of the game. Against PBKS, KKR need to bat well and make sure the desired amount of runs come into play. The bowling has looked good, especially Umesh Yadav and Sunil Narine. Tim Southee can be influential.
Timing and TV listing
The match is slated to kick-off at 7:30 PM IST. The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. One can also live stream the game on Jio TV and Hotstar app (paid subscription).
PBKS have the desired pedigree
PBKS chased down a massive 206-run target with ease versus RCB. The side promises a terrific batting unit with several big-hitters. This can put KKR under tremendous pressure. The best part for PBKS is the availability of Kagiso Rabada. The Proteas speedster will add tremendous value. PBKS look a balanced unit and it promises to be a stern battle between two good sides.
A look at the probable XI of both teams
KKR Probable XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (c), Sam Billings, Sheldon Jackson (wk), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy PBKS Probable XI: Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk), Odean Smith, Shahrukh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Sandeep Sharma, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada
Who are the key performers?
PBKS opener Shikhar Dhawan has smashed 5,827 runs in the IPL at 34.89. As per Cricketpedia, Dhawan has racked up 810 runs in 28 games at a strike rate of 118.42. Sunil Narine has claimed 144 wickets in the IPL, including a total of 31 versus PBKS. Mayank Agarwal has amassed 2,163 runs at 23.51. He can surpass Rahul Dravid's tally of 2,174 runs.
Here's the H2H record
The two teams have met 29 times in the IPL so far. The Knight Riders have bossed the show, against Punjab, winning 19 and losing 10. In the last two IPL editions, both teams went on to share the spoils.
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket options
Fantasy XI (Option 1): Shikhar Dhawan (c), Shreyas Iyer (vc), Ajinkya Rahane, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Sunil Narine, Odean Smith, Kagiso Rabada, Tim Southee, Rahul Chahar, Umesh Yadav Fantasy XI (Option 2): Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (vc), Mayank Agarwal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Sunil Narine (c), Odean Smith, Kagiso Rabada, Tim Southee, Rahul Chahar, Umesh Yadav
