IPL 2024, KKR vs PBKS: A look at key battles
Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings are set to clash in Match 42 of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season at Eden Gardens. This will be the first and only league-stage game between the two sides this season. KKR recently sealed a one-run win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while ninth-placed PBKS eye a comeback. Here are the key player battles on offer.
Sunil Narine vs Kagiso Rabada
Fiery starts from all-rounder Sunil Narine have been pivotal to KKR's success in the ongoing IPL season. He has smashed 286 runs at a staggering strike rate of 176.54. PBKS' Kagiso Rabada, who has been among the wickets, can perturb Narine with his searing length balls. Rabada has dismissed Narine twice in T20 cricket, with the latter striking at 176.92.
Andre Russell vs Arshdeep Singh
As seen in KKR's last game against RCB, all-rounder Andre Russell struggled against steamy bouncers. The PBKS seamers can use the short-ball ploy to stop Russell. Therefore, Arshdeep Singh's match-up against Russell would be one to watch out for. The left-arm seamer has dismissed Russell once while conceding 10 off eight balls in the IPL.
Liam Livingstone vs Sunil Narine
While bouncers perturbed Russell, PBKS' Liam Livingstone has had qualms about spin. The latter was outfoxed by Noor Ahmad in the match against Gujarat Titans. Livingstone, who strikes at nearly 145, has fallen to Narine once in T20 cricket. Notably, Narine has conceded just 21 runs off 25 balls against the Englishman in the shortest format (overall).
Shreyas Iyer vs Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel bowled a superb spell for PBKS against GT, albeit in a losing cause. The right-arm seamer carries the ability to deceive batters with his variations. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer played a captain's knock (50) for KKR against RCB. It is worth noting that Harshal has dismissed Iyer twice in just nine balls in the IPL. Iyer strikes at just 77.77 in this battle.
