2021 IPL – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings taking place? Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings will take place on Friday 1st October, 2021 at 15:00 (UK)
Where is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings taking place? Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings will take place at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai
What is the expected weather for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings? 31-34c with sunshine descending into clear skies with a gentle breeze leading into light winds.
Where can I get tickets for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings? Check each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings on in the UK? Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kingswill be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings live on Sky Go
THE TEAM NEWS
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
- An excellent bowling performance from Kolkata Knight Riders on a tricky pitch saw them restrict Delhi Capitals to 127/9, which Eoin Morgan’s side chased down with three wickets remaining, successfully holding their nerve and reaching their target with ten balls to spare.
- Most impressive about their win over Delhi was them managing it without the services of all-rounder Andre Russell, who missed out with a hamstring injury and the West Indian is a big doubt once again for this one, whilst leg-spin bowler Kuldeep Yadav has left KKR’s bio secure bubble and returned home to India with a knee injury.
PUNJAB KINGS
- Punjab Kings sit two points behind KKR after falling to their seventh defeat of this year’s IPL last time out, losing to reigning champions Mumbai Indians by six wickets.
- Most worrying for Punjab Kings was their poor display in the field, dropping Hardik Pandya twice on his way to an unbeaten knock of 40 for Mumbai and they must improve their catching if they are to stand a chance here.
THE PREDICTION
The Knight Riders showed their mettle against Delhi and proved that they have the capabilities to triumph on difficult pitches, with players such as Sunil Narine and their New Zealand international fast bowling duo Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee taking advantage of the tough batting conditions. Their middle order depth looks narrowly stronger than Punjab Kings, who appear very much overdependent on openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, with the latter expected to come back into the Punjab Kings line-up here. When taking this into account, that extra middle order firepower of KKR may just prove the difference here and victory for Eoin Morgan’s men looks on the cards.
