IPL 2020 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore taking place? Wednesday 21st October, 2020 – 15:00 (UK)
Where is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore taking place? Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
What is the expected weather for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore? 34c sunny
Where can I get tickets for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore? IPL 2020 matches will be played without spectators to begin with but the official IPL website will update fans if this situation changes
What channel is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore on? Sky Sports will be televising this match
Where can I stream Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore? Sky Sports subscribers will be able to stream the match live vis the Sky Go website or app
THE TEAM NEWS
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
- After losing their previous two matches, Kolkata Knight Riders got back to winning ways on Sunday by edging past Sunrisers Hyderabad on a Super Over which means they continue to cling on to the fourth and final play-off spot.
- With a surging Kings XI just one win behind them now, the pressure is on KKR here to put more distance between them and the chasing pack and they may be forced into a change after Andre Russell picked up a hamstring injury.
- The big West Indian continues to struggle with his body so that could hand Sunil Narine a route back into the side after his bowling action was approved while they will surely keep Lockie Ferguson in the side after his superb impact last time out.
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
- Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Rajasthan Royals last time out to consolidate their play-off place and they will know that a victory here would all but assure them of a spot in the knockout phase.
- AB de Villiers was the star man once again and he is enjoying a sensational IPL so far as their batting looks fearsome while Chris Morris has made a huge difference to the bowling attack and given much-needed support to Chahal.
- There are a couple of spots in their starting eleven that could rotate among their local players as Shivam Dube could return to the side while Mohammad Siraj could also return to the bowling attack.
THE PREDICTION
There is little to choose between these two teams coming into what is a crunch game between two top four teams. Both KKR and RCB will know that a win here will boost their chances of a play-off place as games are starting to run out so they will both play hard for the win. RCB have that extra quality in their batting ranks and they are playing with great consistency right now which just about gives them the edge. The arrival and impact of Lockie Ferguson for KKR could be a game-changer however for them and he will seriously test Finch, Kohli and De Villiers. He can be the x-factor once again and it relieves the pressure on Pat Cummins whose struggles continue. The batting remains fragile for KKR however with too many players yet to reach top form so unless Eoin Morgan can produce more fireworks, RCB’s greater strength in that department gives them a marginal edge in what could be another close game.
