KKR vs PBKS IPL 2024 Match 43 Match-Ups: Top 5 Player Battles to Watch Out For

Kolkata Knight Riders will face off against Punjab Kings in the 42nd match of IPL 2024 (April 26, 2024, at 7:30 pm) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

KKR, currently basking in the glory of five wins out of seven matches, sits comfortably in second place on the points table. Their well-oiled batting unit, spearheaded by the explosive opening duo of Sunil Narine and Shubman Gill, has been wreaking havoc on opponents. The bowling attack, with the likes of Pat Cummins and Varun Chakaravarthy, has been equally impressive, providing excellent support and restricting opposition runs.

Their recent one-run nail-biter win against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) further exemplifies their fighting spirit and determination. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position, languishing in the second-last spot with only two wins from eight matches. Their campaign has been plagued by inconsistencies, with their batting unit failing to fire consistently and the bowling attack lacking penetration. However, they’ve shown glimpses of brilliance, with young guns like Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma showcasing their potential. A win against KKR is absolutely essential for PBKS to keep their playoff dreams alive.

KKR and PBKS have played 32 games against each other until now. KKR have a dominating record with 21 wins as compared to 11 wins for PBKS.

1. Sikhar Dhawan vs Sunil Narine

PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan is available now. He will bring in some boost to PBKS’ batting lineup. However, Sunil Narine might be brought in earlier in the powerplay against the left-handed batsman. We will see a great battle there through this matchup. The Caribbean bowler has sent back Dhawan 2 times in T20I. In the IPL, Dhawan has scored 105 runs off 89 balls and got out twice against Narine.

2. Sunil Narine vs Kagiso Rabada

KKR’s swashbuckling opener Sunil Narine will be a force to be reckoned with. He’s been in red-hot form, scoring a blistering century and averaging a strike rate of over 176 this season. However, Kagiso Rabada, Punjab’s premier pacer, has a decent record against Narine, dismissing him twice in the past. This battle between the explosive batsman and the skilled fast bowler promises to be a thrilling watch. Rabada has bowled 13 balls to Narine in the IPL. Though he has conceded 23 runs, he has also dismissed him twice.

3. Phill Salt vs Sam Curran in T20

Phil Salt, KKR’s other aggressive opener, has also been a key contributor to their success, providing quick starts and building a solid foundation for the middle order. However, Sam Curran has bowled well to him. Salt has scored 35 runs off 31 balls from Curran and gotten out 3 times in twenty 20 matches. The batter has given 1 wicket to the bowler in T10 cricket as well.

4. Sam Curran vs Varun Chakravarthy

Sam Curran would be tested by Varun Chakravarthy’s mystery spin attack in the middle overs. However, Sam never gave his wicket to Varun.

5. Andre Russell vs Harshal Patel

The middle and lower order of KKR boasts the explosive Andre Russell, known for his brutal power-hitting in the death overs. His ability to take the game away from the opposition single-handedly is a major concern for PBKS. However, they have a trump card in the form of Harshal Patel, the current third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Russell has scored 35 runs off 26 balls against Harshal but has gotten out twice.

We all know what Liam Livingstone can do with the bat on his day. However, he is not in good form this season, but it is just a matter of one good innings. One good innings is due from Livingstone, and it might come on Friday. But he will have to face Sunil Narine in the middle overs, who has been the most economical bowler in the competition so far. Livingstone hasn’t found it easy to face him, either. Narine has bowled 25 balls and conceded only 21 runs with one wicket.