IPL 2022 KKR vs PBKS: match predictions, pitch report, and stats

The 8th match of IPL 2022 is all set to take place at the Wankhede Stadium between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). The Kolkata team, who lost to RCB in their second match by a narrow margin, will be looking forward to getting back to winning ways. On the other hand, PBKS looks pumped up after a historic run chase against Bangalore in their first match, chasing down 205 runs in 19 overs.

Take a look at the detailed pre-match report of KKR vs PBKS at IPL 2022.

KKR probable 11

The Kolkata batsmen have put up a mere total of 128 runs against RCB. Venkatesh Iyer’s struggle in the initial overs continues to worry the KKR fans, as he is expected to take up the responsibility of giving a solid start in the powerplay. Apart from slight changes in the batting order, KKR is expected to take the field with the same playing 11. KKR’s bowling line-up looks strong with Umesh Yadav making the ball swing in the first six overs and Tim Southee in the supporting role. The two mystery spinners, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy must be on the lookout.

Playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (c), Sam Billings, Sheldon Jackson (wk), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

PBKS probable 11

The top order of PBKS looks promising, with the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan, and Liam Livingstone displaying decent form in their opening match. KKR spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine might cause some trouble for the left-handed batsmen of PBKS in the powerplay. Though Odean Smith displayed a poor bowling performance against RCB, he has compensated for it with a match deciding knock of 25 from 8 balls. Rahul Chahar was the pick of the PBKS bowlers, with an economy of 5.5, and might create some trouble for the KKR batsmen with his past experience at the Wankhede. With Kagiso Rabada returning, Sandeep Sharma might warm the bench,

Playing XI: Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk), Liam Livingstone, Raj Bawa, Shahrukh Khan, Odean Smith, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada

Venue records

Out of the 85 IPL matches played here, teams batting first have won 40 times, while the remaining 45 were won by the teams batting second. The average first innings score is 166. The pitch didn’t offer much to the batsmen in the first two matches conducted here this season. Nevertheless, the dew factor might make it difficult for the defending teams.

Head-to-Head

Out of the 29 matches played between these two teams, KKR has an upper hand by winning 19 out of them. Sunil Narine picked up the most wickets in the matches played between PBKS and KKR, with 31 wickets to his name.

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