PBKS will depend a lot on Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran [ AP Photos]
The Punjab Kings will cross swords against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 42nd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). This match will be played on April 26th at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata at 7:30 PM IST.
The Punjab Kings have gone through a roller coaster ride in IPL 2024. They lost a couple of close matches, and their momentum has dropped in the tournament. Gradually, they are falling away from the race to the top four. The Kings will be eager to win this match and get their campaign back on track.
Eden Gardens Ground Stats (IPL 2024)
Stats | Numbers |
---|---|
Matches | 4 |
Matches won batting first | 2 |
Matches won batting second | 2 |
Average first innings total | 203 |
Average second innings | 203 |
Wickets by pacers | 36 |
Wickets by spinners | 14 |
The top-order of the Punjab Kings has struggled to find rhythm in the tournament. However, the flat deck at Eden Gardens will be ideal for the batters to get into a rhythm and regain their form. There will be runs available on this pitch, and a high-scoring clash will definitely be on the cards.
Three match-winners for Punjab Kings
Liam Livingstone
The hard-hitting English all-rounder has struggled with form in IPL 2024. Liam Livingstone can change the complexion of a game in any situation. However, he has not yet been at his best in the tournament.
But the wicket at the Eden Gardens might be ideal for him. Livingstone would enjoy the ball coming onto the bat. He could be a dangerous customer for the Knights, especially if Punjab are chasing in the game.
Shashank Singh
The top-order of Punjab has been out of form for most of this season. However, their main strength during batting has been their lower middle order. Shashank Singh has been the find of IPL for PBKS. In eight innings, he has scored 195 runs at a strike rate of 168.10 and is their highest run-scorer. He has been mature and played the situation and will once again be a vital cog if PBKS are to win this game.
Sam Curran
PBKS's stand-in skipper, Sam Curran, has tried to lead the team from the front. He is opening the innings and trying to lay the foundation for future batters. However, he has not been at his best with the bat. But the wicket at Eden Gardens might help him regain his touch with the bat and make an impactful contribution.
Curran has also done a decent job with the ball. If he adjusts himself to the playing conditions, then Curran could be impactful in both innings of the match.