Kings X1 will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in a potential four-pointer, whosoever emerges victorious will have s strong chance of finishing in playoffs and for the loser, the playoff chances get dented. Both teams are coming off a victory in the last match in contrasting ways.
Our Knights are ready for another cracking battle! 💪🏻#KKRHaiTaiyaar #Dream11IPL #KKRvKXIP pic.twitter.com/cCc7sXt6GQ
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 26, 2020
KKR totally outplayed Delhi Capitals in the rather one-sided game and Kings X1 managed to win a match from jaws of defeat to beat Sunrisers by 12 runs. From the start of the second leg, Kings have managed to win all four matches and there is a strong possibility of them finishing on third or fourth position if results go their way and they keep on winning matches.
It is easier said than done but recent signs show that it is possible. Their batting was not allowed to get away in last game against SRH and they would like to bat more sensibly and score extra 30 runs to make it easy for their bowlers. If Mayank comes back they will be more difficult to beat. Maxwell, who has been given a long run irrespective of him not getting big scores, will be keen to play one big impactful innings for which big amount has been spent on him.
Kings X1 bowling has been doing well with their cutters, off pace deliveries and yorkers in death bowling. Spinners have done well in middle overs as well, not letting batsman in scoring big boundaries. Kolkata have been in a switch off -on mode throughout the whole tournament. They still have not been at best but are still sitting pretty because they have managed to win matches from losing positions. Their batting does well and they perform well as was the case in the last match against DC.
Narine was included and made an immediate impact by playing momentum-changing innings. Nitish also managed to get some runs and will be more confident. Their bowling is also good when they have par or above par score to defend. Cummins has started taking wickets again and this is a worrying sign for opposition and Kings X1 have to be wary of this. Varun who picked five wickets in last game would want to continue the good work. Both are evenly matched with KKR just slightly better in bowling count but it all counts to who performs better on the day.
Kings X1 have got momentum with them by winning four matches on through and start the match as slight favourites.
