This event has expired GGPoker Bonus Code

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL Tips - Red corner likely to slam more sixes

By Sridhar Bhamidi

07 May 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 07 May 2023

Share this article

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL match predictions to be played in Kolkata on Monday, May 7 at 7:30pm IST
Kolkata Knight Riders have conceded the most 6s in 5 of their last 6 IPL matches at this venue against Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings have struck the most 6s in 5 of their last 8 IPL matches
Punjab Kings have lost 8 of their 11 matches here against Kolkata Knight Riders
Can the two struggling teams rise up and provide a thriller?

Can the struggling Kolkata and Punjab rise up to provide a tight match? (Getty Images)

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL

With only two points separating Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings in what is proving to be a tight points table, their clash could be worth more than two points. This IPL 2023 match #53 will be played at the Eden Gardens on Monday from 7:30pm onwards.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL
Head to Head
Kolkata Knight Riders Form
Kolkata Knight Riders Team News
Punjab Kings Form
Punjab Kings Team News

Kolkata Knight Riders are in the do-or-die scenario and can’t afford another loss that would push them closer to the bottom-half. As for Punjab, the tightness of the top-half of the table means that a win could take them closer to the top-three teams. My pick is in the sixes market though with Punjab Kings striking the most 6s of the match.

Kolkata Knight Riders have conceded the most 6s in 5 of their last 6 matches at this venue to Punjab Kings (IPL)
Punjab Kings have struck the most 6s in 5 of their last 8 matches (IPL)
Kolkata Knight Riders have conceded the most powerplay runs in 8 of their last 10 matches (IPL)
Kolkata Knight Riders have lost their last 3 matches at this venue (IPL)
Punjab Kings have lost 8 of their 11 matches at this venue against Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL)

Head to Head

These sides have met 31 times in the Indian Premier League so far with 20 wins for Kolkata and 11 wins for Punjab. The record is even more formidable at home with eight wins and three losses for Punjab.

When these sides last met, it was the second match of the season and Punjab won by seven runs (DLS method). They posted 191/5 with Bhanuka Rajapaksa scoring 50, but before rain arrived in the chase Arshdeep Singh picked up three wickets to derail the Knight Riders.

Kolkata Knight Riders Form

Kolkata are 8th in the standings with eight points from 10 matches. They are coming off a five-run win over Sunrisers and that was their second win from three matches.

Two batters have aggregated more than 300 for Kolkata and that’s Rinku Singh (316) and Venkatesh Iyer (303). While they look for more batters to step up, the equation is similar with the ball where Varun Chakaravarthy (14) remains the only bowler with more than nine wickets.

The problem for Kolkata is that they have struggled for collective efforts from their batters.

Kolkata Knight Riders Team News

Sunil Narine’s form with the ball is a worry but it remains to be seen if KKR take the tough decision and bench him.

Punjab Kings Form

Punjab Kings are 7th in the standings, just above Kolkata, with ten points from ten matches. They lost to Mumbai by six wickets in their last league match and have been alternating results in their last seven matches.

Captain Shikhar Dhawan continues to be their top dog with the bat, despite missing a few games, scoring 292 runs so far. Jitesh Sharma’s 239 runs have come at a SR of 165.97. With the ball, it’s Arshdeep Singh (16) who’s leading their charge.

Getting the team composition right has been a challenge for Punjab, who have struggled with their batting.

Punjab Kings Team News

Sikandar Raza could get a look-in in the place of Matt Short while Kagiso Rabada may be an option to play in the final XI.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL FAQs

Where can I watch the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL live stream.

What time does Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL start?

This Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings IPL match is being played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata at 7:30pm IST on Monday, May 8.

Verdict

This looks like a match-up between two sides struggling for consistently. One thing that has remained in Punjab’s corner is their ability to find the big hits. I am backing Punjab to score the most 6s in this match.