Today’s fixture of IPL 2021 will be between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings. This match will take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 7:30 pm IST. Fans will be highly excited for this clash as both teams are in contention of qualifying for the playoffs.
Also Read: BCCI is in for a treat this October as 12 Parties buy Tender for the Two New IPL Teams
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders have a good chance of qualifying into the playoffs after having a good phase two of IPL 2021 until now. However, they cannot be complacent as they still need to win all their remaining fixtures. They will be high on confidence after winning a tough game against Delhi Capitals. It is highly unlikely that Russell will return and as a result, they will probably field the same 11.
Punjab Kings
On the other hand, Punjab Kings have performed badly as they have won only one game out of the three matches played in phase two. Therefore they have to win all their remaining games and depend on other teams’ results in order to qualify for the playoffs. With Chris Gayle leaving the IPL due to bio bubble fatigue, they will probably replace him with Fabian Allen.
Prediction for the IPL 2021 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings
Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to win this contest considering their current form. Moreover, the bowling attack led by Narine has performed brilliantly. Whereas Punjab Kings have heavily relied on Ravi Bishnoi to take wickets and KL Rahul to score big.
Fantasy XI Team
Shubhman Gill 9 Cr
Shubhman Gill gave Kolkata a good start by scoring a composed knock of 30 in a low scoring contest against DC. Subsequently, he is expected to continue his good form in a crucial game today.
Venkatesh Iyer 8.5 Cr
Venkatesh Iyer has been a revelation for the Kolkata side this season. His inclusion has stabilized KKR in all departments. Iyer’s two wickets in the last game had a big impact which helped Kolkata seize a win.
Sunil Narine 9.5 Cr (Captain)
Sunil Narine has been instrumental to Kolkata’s success in phase two of IPL 2021. The west Indian’s all round contribution in the last game was the main factor in KKR winning a hard-fought match against DC. I have selected him as the captain because he has a great record against PBKS.
Lockie Ferguson 8.5 Cr
Despite not completing his quota of four overs, Ferguson was impressive against Delhi as he picked up two wickets for 10 runs. As a result, the Kiwi fast bowler who was in amazing form last game will try to replicate a similar kind of performance against the misfiring Punjab lineup.
KL Rahul 11 Cr (Vice Captain)
KL Rahul has not been at his best form in phase two for PBKS. However, the captain has always contributed 20-25 runs in every game . Owing to this fact, I have selected him as the vice captain as he can also give more points by taking some catches behind the stumps.
Rahul Tripathi 8.5 Cr
Keeping aside his early dismissal in the last game, Rahul Tripathi has performed brilliantly for Kolkata Knight Riders. As a result, his aggressive stroke play could help the team set the tone against the underperforming PBKS bowling attack.
Ravi Bishnoi 8.5 Cr
Ravi Bishnoi was outstanding against Mumbai Indians in the last game. The leg spinner gave his side hope after dismissing De Kock and Rohit Sharma in quick succession. Moreover, the Punjab Kings bowler has been exceptional this season and could well turn out to be the game-changer against Kolkata today.
Aiden Markram 8.5 Cr
Markram was brilliant against Mumbai Indians and looked like the only batsman in his side who adjusted himself to the slow nature of the pitch. Therefore Punjab Kings will rely on him to deliver again today.
Mohammed Shami 9 Cr
Shami has gone for runs this season but he has always given Punjab crucial breakthroughs this season. As a result, his contribution against Kolkata today will be immense if Punjab has any hope to qualify for the playoffs
Arshdeep Singh 8.5 Cr
Arshdeep Singh has taken a lot of wickets in the death overs during phase two. Hence he will be crucial for Punjab against Kolkata today
Tim Southee 8.5 Cr
Southee picked up a wicket and finished with good figures against Delhi in the last game. Subsequently, he will retain his side and fans can expect him to deliver a good performance against a troubled PBKS batting lineup.
