KKR vs KXIP: Pitch report and match preview
What's the story
Kolkata Knight Riders welcome the high-flying Kings XI Punjab in match number 18 of the 2018 Indian Premier League at the Eden Gardens. Both team have six points each although the Knights have played a game more. It will be a crunch battle in front of a packed stadium given it's a Saturday game. Here is all that you need to know.
Crunch battle
Pitch to assist batsmen as well as spinners
The last game saw the Knights get to a big total in excess of 190 runs. Spinners will play a key role on this pitch and the KKR trio had done just that against a lacklustre Delhi Daredevils. This game too will be similar. Although since it's an afternoon match, it will be interesting to see the battle between spinners and batsmen.
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Weather report: KKR vs KXIP
According to reports, rain is expected to hit Kolkata but match is likely to carry on. It's going to be difficult conditions given the heat and humidity in the afternoon. Onus will be on players to battle these conditions.
Gayle-storm
Gayle the danger-man for KKR
Chris Gayle has been in ominous form and given his record against his former side, the KKR think tank will be worried. Gayle loves the Knights and has a whopping 532 IPL runs in just 13 innings. He has an average close to 50 and a strike-rate of 152.43. The West Indian has scores of 63 and 104 in IPL 2018.
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Narine the man to stop Gayle?
Gayle has struggled against his West Indian team mate Narine. Narine has bowled 45 balls to the southpaw in the IPL and has given away only 40 runs. Besides this, he has also dismissed Gayle twice. So will he stop the Gayle-storm to hit Eden?
The numbers game
Stat attack- KKR vs KXIP
KXIP have the best run-rate in the powerplay overs in IPL 2018. They have scored runs at 10.29 to show how much they are enjoying batting. The visitors also have the best economy rate in the powerplays (7.46). Robin Uthappa needs 66 runs more to complete 2,000 runs for KKR in IPL. KKR have beaten KXIP in their last five visits to Kolkata.
Personal
Our take on the match at Eden Gardens
KXIP have a strong batting unit but that said, KKR have a dream bowling line-up especially their three spinners. So this would be a huge test for both the sides. KXIP bowlers have also done well and go into the game as slight favourites.