KKR vs PBKS Match Prediction: The 44th match of IPL 2025 will have Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Both teams must be desperate for a win after losing their last encounters. They are looking for a spot in the playoffs as soon as they can. This match will be interesting because in the same season, PBKS defended 111 runs against KKR.
Match Details
- Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings
- Match Number: 44th Match of IPL 2025
- Date: April 26, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens Pitch Report
Eden Gardens has transformed into a batsman’s paradise in recent seasons, offering consistent bounce and allowing batters to play their shots freely. Historically, teams have started opting to bat first here, seeking to put up 200+ totals. The previous trend indicates a 75% win rate for teams batting first this season, emphasizing the importance of a strong start to capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions. The spinners might play a key role later in the innings when the pitch tends to offer some assistance.
KKR vs PBKS Predicted Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Moeen Ali, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy. Impact Player: Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal. Impact Player: Harpreet Brar
Head-to-Head Records
- Total Matches Played: 34
- Kolkata Knight Riders Wins: 21
- Punjab Kings Wins: 13
Predicted Top Performers
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Ajinkya Rahane: The experienced batsman holds the key for KKR, known for his classic strokeplay and ability to anchor innings, particularly on good batting tracks.
- Varun Chakaravarthy: As a mystery spinner, Varun’s performance will be crucial, especially in middle overs where he can contain PBKS’s aggressive batsmen.
Punjab Kings
- Shreyas Iyer: Iyer’s form is pivotal for PBKS at the top of the order, capable of setting a platform with quick runs.
- Arshdeep Singh: A vital component of PBKS’s bowling strategy, Arshdeep’s death over expertise will be instrumental in containing KKR’s power hitters.
Momentum Shifters
- KKR’s Powerplay Performance (60+ runs at 10.0+ RPO in first 6 overs): Raises KKR’s win probability by +26%.
- PBKS’s Six-Hitting Ability (12+ sixes in the innings): Offers a +24% win probability for PBKS.
- KKR’s Spin Impact (4+ wickets from Chakaravarthy and Narine combined): Boosts KKR’s chances by +30%.
- PBKS’s Middle-Order Acceleration (80+ runs at 170+ strike rate in overs 7-15): Enhances PBKS’s win probability by +27%.
Match Prediction
Both teams enter this match with the intent to solidify their positions; however, the Eden Gardens’ historical preference towards teams batting first might play a decisive role. Despite Kolkata Knight Riders’ rocky start this season, the home advantage and the returning form of key players like Ajinkya Rahane and Sunil Narine can favor them. If they execute their plans, especially turning the middle overs into a spin-riddled halt for PBKS, KKR can arrest Punjab’s momentum.
Nevertheless, given PBKS’s formidable lineup led by Shreyas Iyer and their capacity to exploit the batting conditions, they might just edge over KKR in a potentially high-scoring affair. With better recent form and strategic execution, PBKS looks poised to grab the win, especially if they can maneuver past the tricky middle overs dominated by the KKR spin duo.
Prediction: Punjab Kings to capitalise on their momentum and emerge victorious at Eden Gardens.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
