IPL 2023, PBKS vs KKR: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
KKR defeated PBKS in IPL 2022 [Source: IPLT20.com]
On Saturday, Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Punjab Kings in the second fixture of the Indian Premier League 2023. Both teams are studded with some T20 superstars, which is why we expect a nail-biter at the iconic Mohali stadium.
Team Preview: Punjab Kings
Shikhar Dhawan will play a key role for Punjab Kings [Source: IPLT20.com]
Led by Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab Kings have some outright match-winners in their lineup. While Dhawan will form the core batting group alongside Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Sikandar Raza, the likes of Jitesh Sharma and Shahrukh Khan are capable enough to ensure a fitting finish for the Kings.
On the other hand, they will surely miss Kagiso Rabada, who will join the team on April 3rd after South Africa's home series against the Netherlands. Also, Liam Livingstone is doubtful for the game, which must be a concern for the Kings.
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Team Preview: Kolkata Knight Riders
Andre Russell has been KKR's biggest match-winner [Source: IPLT20.com]
On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders are already devoid of their regular skipper Shreyas Iyer for the entire season. Besides Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, they don't have a name that the opponents will fear, but they surely have some underrated players who can certainly guide them to glory.
While Rana will lead his troops with the bat, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer can also take on the opponent bowlers. On the bowling front, Sunil Narine will spearhead the spin attack, whereas Tim Southee, Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav form a decent pace bowling unit.
Match Details
Date & Time: April 1, 03.30 PM IST
Venue: PCA Stadium, Mohali
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The conditions in Mohali will offer decent assistance to the seamers early on. However, the track will be settled and become a batters' paradise with time. So, the toss-winner will likely opt to field first.
Probable Playing XIs
Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sikandar Raza, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Harpreet Brar/Rishi Dhawan, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis
Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana (C), Mandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Jitesh Sharma
Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana/Rinku Singh
All-Rounders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine/Sam Curran
Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee
Captain: Andre Russell
Vice-Captain: Umesh Yadav
Prediction
Considering the lineups of both teams, we reckon it will be a hard-fought contest, with Punjab Kings having the last laugh.
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