Sports
KKR vs PBKS IPL 2025: Match Preview & Prediction – Who’s Got the Edge?
Kolkata, April 26 – The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a crucial IPL 2024 clash at Eden Gardens. With playoffs on the line, this high-octane battle could swing either way. Here’s our preview, prediction, and fantasy picks.
Match Details
- Date & Time: April 26, 2025, 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Live Streaming: JioCinema, Star Sports
KKR vs PBKS: Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)
| Matches | KKR Won | PBKS Won |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 2 |
KKR hold a 21-11 edge in 32 IPL meetings, dominating at home.
Pitch & Weather Report
- Eden Gardens Pitch: A batting haven, with 200+ scores common in 2024 (average first innings: 190). Spinners get grip, but dew aids chasers.
- Weather: Clear skies, 36°C, 80% humidity. Dew likely to favor the second innings.
Predicted Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Phil Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
Impact Player: Vaibhav Arora
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Sam Curran (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Harshal Patel.
Impact Player: Arshdeep Singh
Note: Shikhar Dhawan was sidelined by injury, with Sam Curran leading PBKS.
Key Players to Watch
- KKR:
- Sunil Narine: Blazing with bat (286 runs) and ball (6 wickets, 6.25 economy).
- Andre Russell: Explosive finisher, lethal in death overs.
- PBKS:
- Jonny Bairstow: Capable of match-turning knocks (108* in this game).
- Arshdeep Singh: Death-over specialist, key to curbing KKR’s batsmen.
Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
- KKR (55% Chance): Home advantage, deeper batting, and Narine’s form give them a slight edge.
- PBKS (45% Chance): Reliant on Bairstow and Shashank Singh; bowling lacks consistency.
Outcome: PBKS defied odds, chasing 262 in 18.4 overs, led by Bairstow’s 108* and Shashank’s 67*, setting a T20 record (Firstpost).
Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Must Pick: Sunil Narine (KKR) – All-round brilliance racks up points.
- Differential Pick: Shashank Singh (PBKS) – Underrated, delivered 67* here.
- Captain Choice: Jonny Bairstow (PBKS) – Explosive opener, proved pivotal.
Final Verdict
Eden Gardens’ flat track and dew favor chasers, tilting toward KKR’s firepower. But PBKS’ hitters, like Bairstow, can flip the script if their bowlers hold up. Expect a run-fest, with KKR slightly favored.
Toss Prediction: KKR to bowl first, chasing preferred under lights.
