—

Match Preview & Team News

Punjab Kings:

Recently conceded 245 runs to Sunrisers—highlighting serious bowling issues.

Concerns growing about Yuzvendra Chahal’s form: just 2 wickets and conceding over 11 runs per over.

Possible change: Harpreet Singh or Praveen Dubey could come in to bolster the spin attack.

Batting line-up looks explosive, but unless the bowling improves, their playoff hopes are fading.

Likely XI: Arya (Arshdeep sub), Prabhsimran, Iyer, Stoinis, Wadhera, Maxwell, Shashank, Shedge, Jansen, Harpreet, barlett

—

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Coming off a convincing win over Chennai.

Not flashy but very functional—a well-drilled team where everyone knows their role.

Moeen Ali’s use remains inconsistent; team might consider bringing back Spencer Johnson to balance the bowling.

Likely XI: De Kock, Narine, Rahane, Venkatesh, Iyer, Russell, Ramandeep, Moeen, Harshit, Arora, Varun (Raghuvanshi sub)

—

Pitch Report: Mullanpur

Batting-friendly surface—recent matches have seen scores of 205 and 219 successfully defended.

Defending totals has a surprisingly good record at this ground.

A first-innings score in the 190s should be considered par.

With Punjab’s economy rate over 10 per over, expect high totals again from both teams.

Kolkata especially should be backed to post a strong score whether batting first or chasing.

—

Match Outlook & Strategy

Despite being underdogs on paper, Kolkata might have the edge due to Punjab’s unreliable bowling.

If Kolkata bat first, there’s good reason to expect a strong total and a potential shift in momentum.

Expect match odds to swing sharply in favor of the team batting first, especially if they get off to a fast start.

Strategy: If Kolkata bats first and performs well in the powerplay or posts 190+, there’s room to take advantage of a strong momentum shift.

—

Player to Watch

Marcus Stoinis – Was previously batting at No. 4 with an excellent conversion rate. Recently pushed down to No. 7, yet still delivered with 34 off just 11 balls. If Punjab promotes him again, he’s a serious contender for top scorer. Definitely a value player to keep an eye on.

—