IPL 2024, KKR vs PBKS: Eden Gardens Pitch Report, Kolkata Weather Forecast, T20 Stats Records | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings

The upcoming clash between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 42nd match of IPL 2024 promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with high-stakes action. Both teams are gearing up for a crucial battle, each with their own motivations and aspirations in the tournament.

Current Form and Expectations

KKR, currently placed 6th in the points table, are coming off a narrow victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), where they secured a nail-biting win by just one run. This victory injected fresh confidence into the KKR camp, and they will be eager to build on this momentum against PBKS.

On the other hand, PBKS find themselves in a precarious position, languishing at the 9th position in the points table. They have faced setbacks in recent matches, having lost their last four games. The upcoming clash against KKR presents a critical opportunity for PBKS to revive their campaign and keep their playoff hopes alive.

T20 Stats and Records at Eden Gardens

Eden Gardens, the iconic cricketing venue in Kolkata, has witnessed numerous thrilling encounters over the years. With a total of 90 T20 matches played at this venue, the statistics reveal an interesting trend. Matches won while bowling first outnumber those won while batting first, showcasing the significance of the pitch conditions and the impact of chasing at this venue.

The average score batting first at Eden Gardens is 162, with the highest total recorded being 235/4 by Chennai Super Kings against Kolkata Knight Riders. Notably, the lowest total recorded is 49/10 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Kolkata Knight Riders, highlighting the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.

Eden Gardens Stadium Pitch Report

Eden Gardens Stadium has evolved over the years, shedding its traditional slow and low character. The recent introduction of a thicker grass cover has transformed the pitch into a livelier surface with increased bounce and pace. This change in playing conditions presents a fresh challenge for both batsmen and bowlers, demanding adaptability and tactical acumen from the players.

Kolkata Weather Forecast

The weather forecast for the KKR vs PBKS clash in Kolkata promises ideal cricketing conditions with sunshine and clear skies. However, players and spectators will need to prepare for the scorching heat, with temperatures expected to soar up to 41 degrees Celsius. Gentle breezes of around 19 kilometres per hour will offer some relief, while humidity levels are forecasted to be around 44%.

Despite the challenging weather conditions, the match is expected to proceed as scheduled, ensuring an enthralling contest between KKR and PBKS.

Squads

Kolkata Knight Riders:

• Philip Salt (wk)
• Venkatesh Iyer
• Shreyas Iyer (c)
• Nitish Rana
• Andre Russell
• Rinku Singh
• Ramandeep Singh
• Sunil Narine
• Mitchell Starc
• Harshit Rana
• Varun Chakaravarthy
• Manish Pandey
• Srikar Bharat
• Mujeeb Ur Rahman
• Anukul Roy
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
• Chetan Sakariya
• Sherfane Rutherford
• Vaibhav Arora
• Dushmantha Chameera
• Angkrish Raghuvanshi
• Sakib Hussain
• Suyash Sharma

Punjab Kings:

• Shikhar Dhawan (c)
• Prabhsimran Singh
• Jonny Bairstow
• Sikandar Raza
• Jitesh Sharma (wk)
• Sam Curran
• Harshal Patel
• Rahul Chahar
• Arshdeep Singh
• Kagiso Rabada
• Harpreet Brar
• Nathan Ellis
• Shivam Singh
• Chris Woakes
• Liam Livingstone
• Rilee Rossouw
• Harpreet Singh Bhatia
• Rishi Dhawan
• Shashank Singh
• Tanay Thyagarajan
• Ashutosh Sharma
• Atharva Taide
• Vidhwath Kaverappa
• Prince Choudhary
• Vishwanath Singh

Key Players to Watch

• KKR: Shreyas Iyer, Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer
• PBKS: Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran

With the stage set for an electrifying contest, cricket fans can expect a riveting display of skill and determination as KKR and PBKS battle it out for supremacy in the IPL 2024. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable match at the iconic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata.