Today’s second clash of IPL 2023 is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants (KKR vs LSG). The host KKR registered a splendid win against CSK by 6 wickets its last game. Despite a win, KKR’s position for playoffs is in menace as three teams i.e. RCB, RR and MI have 14 points and are ahead of KKR with a better NRR. KKR is currently 7th ranked in IPL points table with 12 points. Since it’s the last league match for KKR, mere a win won’t ensure its place in playoffs unless any miracle happens where SRH defeats MI and GT defeats RCB. In order to sustain its chances for playoffs, KKR requires a big margin win in today’s game.
Coming to the visitors, LSG currently ranks 3rd in the IPL standings with 15 points in its bag. In its last match against bottom ranked SRH, the Krunal Pandya led side won the game swiftly. LSG is now an inch away from qualifying for playoffs. So, this match is crucial for LSG as well as its win would ensure its smooth qualification for playoffs.
KKR vs LSG : Match Details
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Date & Time: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Watch Live on: Star Sports Network & JioCinema
KKR vs LSG : Pitch Report
The pitch at Eden Gardens is typically considered to be batter-friendly which makes this venue a high scoring one. The pitch supports pacers with bounce whereas historically the pitch is known for assisting spin bowlers as the game progresses.
This venue has witnessed a total of 84 matches in IPL history, out of which 34 have been won by the team batting first whereas 50 by the chasing team.
Any score near 200 runs would be a good total to defend.
The toss winning team should bowl first.
KKR vs LSG : Head to Head
Both the teams have faced each other twice in IPL wherein LSG have won both the games.
KKR vs LSG : Team Playing XI Prediction
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK)
- Jason Roy
- Nitish Rana (C)
- Andre Russell
- Rinku Singh
- Shardul Thakur
- Sunil Narine
- Vaibhav Arora
- Harshit Rana
- Suyash Sharma
- Varun Chakaravarthy
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Quinton de Kock (WK)
- Deepak Hooda
- Prerak Mankad
- Krunal Pandya (C)
- Marcus Stoinis
- Nicholas Pooran
- Ayush Badoni
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Swapnil Singh
- Mohsin Khan
KKR vs LSG : Best Performers’ Prediction
Best Batsman
Rinku Singh
The sensational KKR batter has been in tremendous form throughout this season. Rinku has truly shown his worth with his bat this season. Currently at 11th rank in Orange Cap standings, Rinku has smashed 407 runs in 13 games with an outstanding average of 50.87 and strike rate of 143.30. Rinku is a real match finisher with his most memorable innings against GT where he hit five back to back sixes. The Player of the Match in the previous game, seems to continue his explosive form in the upcoming game as well.
Best Bowler
Varun Chakravarthy
The leading wicket taker for KKR, currently ranks 5th in the Purple Cap standings. The leg-break spinner looks in a marvellous form with 19 wickets in 13 matches with an average of 20.57 and and effective economy rate of 8.03. Since it’s traditionally a spinners’ pitch today, the ace bowler can wreck havoc on opponent batters’ with his sharp spin and variations. So, best pick for the bowler of the day.
KKR vs LSG : Today’s Match Winner Prediction
Kolkata Knight Riders likely to win the match.
Disclaimer: The above predictions are based on personal understanding and analysis of the author. Kindly make your own decision while making any prediction based on the predictions mentioned above.