History
KKR have won the IPL 2 times, in 2012 as well as 2014, and are generally considered as one of the stronger sides in the league, with an element of unpredictability about them. KXIP, in contrast have been among the poorest sides in the tournament historically, and have never won the tournament, with their highest finish being runners-up in 2014. These 2 teams have faced off 25 times in total, with KKR winning 17 of those, and KXIP winning only 8.
Team News
KXIP looked to be in incredible batting form initially. Both their openers, Rahul and Mayank have played two big innings each, including a century each as well. They have scored 200+ runs twice already, although their bowling has repeatedly failed them as RR managed to chase down the highest score in IPL history against them. This disbalance has caused them to lost 4 matches in a row, and they are currently bottom of the table with just 1 win in 6 matches. They lost their last game to SRH by a huge margin of 69 runs, but the performance of Pooran will be encouraging, as the over reliance on the openers has cost them so far.
KKR had a nightmare start to the tournament in contrast, being thrashed by Mumbai Indians in their opening game. However, they bounced back very well with impressive victories over Rajasthan Royals Sunrisers. Shubman Gill is back to top form now, but the most encouraging aspect of KKR currently is the brilliant form of their young Indian bowlers- Nagarkoti, Mavi and Varun, which makes them a very balanced side going ahead in the tournament. They won the last game against Chennai with a narrow margin after a spirited bowling performance.
Betting Preview, Picks And Prediction
To Win The Match
The Knight Riders are the favourites to win the match with odds of 1.66 as per Bet365. They look to be in good batting form of late and their bowling also They look likely to continue their winning run. Kings XI Punjab are 2.20 as per Bet365, which is dependent on their top order performing, which hasn’t happened in recent times as they have lost 4 matches in a row.
Top Team Batsman
Youngster Shubman Gill is the favourite to be KKR’s top scorer in this match, as he is widely considered to be their most consistent batsman and played a brilliant innings in a couple of matches, and has odds of 4.00. In-form Rahul Tripathi is now the second favourite at 4.50 to be the top scorer. England captain Morgan and danger man Andre Russell have odds of 5.00 each, and both are back in form.
After his unbelievable form all season, KL Rahul is the favourite to be Punjab’s top batsman, with odds of 3.00. He is followed by his opening partner Mayank Agarwal at 4.50, which is tempting as he has been in equally brilliant form. However, both of them failed in their previous match, with only Nicholas Pooran (4.50) performing brilliantly.
Top Team Bowler
The most expensive purchase at this season’s auction, Pat Cummins is the favourite at 3.75 to be KKR’s top bowler, followed by Shivam Mavi and Sunil Narine at 4.50 each.
Mohammed Shami is the favourite to be the top bowler for Punjab at 3.00, with Cottrel at 4.00 another attractive option.
Highest Opening Partnership
The most expensive purchase at this season’s auction, Pat Cummins is the favourite at 3.75 to be KKR’s top bowler, followed by Shivam Mavi and Sunil Narine at 4.50 each.
Mohammed Shami is the favourite to be the top bowler for Punjab at 3.00, with Cottrel at 4.00 another attractive option.
Total Runs In The Match
Odds of there being more than 330.5 runs in this match are 1.57, as per Bet 365. This is a pretty attractive bet as both these teams have posted some huge totals before, and are more than capable of crossing the 166 run mark required to win this bet.
Individual Player Betting
- Shubhman Gill to score more than 22.5 runs has odds of 1.72 , which is a tempting bet as he seems to be in great form and is their primary opening batsman. KL Rahul to score 27.5 runs has odds of 1.83 as well, which is again very tempting as he would like to bounce back with a big innings after a poor game last time.
- Kings XI Punjab to hit more than 5.5 sixes in this match are 1.83, while KKR to hit more than 6.5 are 1.90, which can be very attractive if Andre Russell gets his way.
- Pat Cummins to take 2 or more wickets has odds of 2.62, while Shami to take 1 or more wickets has odds of 1.28, which is almost a given with his form.
Our Top Betting Picks
- KXIP to win the match @2.20
- KKR to hit 7 or more sixes @1.90
- KXIP to have the Highest Opening Partnership @1.80
- Cummins to be KKR’s top wicket-taker @3.75
