Punjab need to end their choking tendency

Quite often in IPL 2021, Punjab Kings have found themselves in winning positions and then given it away at the backend of the game. They can ill afford another slip up as the clash against Kolkata Knight Riders loom. Punjab have four wins and seven losses this year and have odds of 2.18 to beat KKR.

Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, have been impressive in the UAE after struggling in the earlier leg of the season. They seem to have hit the right notes and identified right players for right roles. KKR will still need to conquer the Ravi Bishnoi threat as they face Punjab. They have odds of 1.66 to beat PBKS. 

KKR overwhelming favourites on head-to-head count

Overall, Kolkata Knight Riders have a great record against Punjab Kings, having won 19 of the 28 head-to-head matches including four of the last five games. KKR’s recent form in the league further bolsters their chance. But Punjab have Ravi Bishnoi, an unknown factor who can trouble the KKR batting line-up with his wrong ‘uns. He has been a revelation so far and his threat makes this game more of an even contest.

RECOMMENDED BET: KKR have good players in well-defined roles and have odds of 1.66 to beat Punjab Kings.

When these teams met earlier in the season, Rahul Tripathi and Eoin Morgan took KKR to a win in a low-scoring game.

Keep an eye on… 

Punjab’s hitters: Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran will fancy their chances against the Kolkata Knight Riders’ spinners. With Lockie Ferguson still a major threat, Punjab will want their other batsmen to keep him off the big-hitting left-handers from West Indies.

KKR’s bowling: As much as their batting has been impressive, Kolkata have found good bowlers for different phases and the overall x-factor of Varun Chakravarthy and Lockie Ferguson make them a potent bowling attack.

TIP: Ravi Bishnoi has been in terrific form with the ball and is still very much a mystery bowler. He has odds of 3.70 to be Punjab’s top bowler.