IPL 2018, KXIP vs KKR Match Prediction: Who will win today's match between Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders

The tussle between Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders today is of great importance for both the teams, with respect to their chances of making it in the top four of the tournament. Both the teams have been fairly consistent in this edition of the IPL and hence, have been in contention for the playoff spots for the most part of the league.

The team that wins today can put up a significant challenge for the top two slots on the points table, while the losing side will find itself in serious pressure with respect to making the top four.

Both the teams are led by captains from Tamil Nadu, and both the captains have been new appointments this season. They have impressed with their astute leadership up until now and it will be interesting to see who pulls one over whom in this crucial encounter at Indore. Here is what we might have on the cards for the afternoon game on Saturday (May 12):

Date: 12th May 2018

Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore

Time: 4.00 PM IST

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If Punjab bat first

Predicted score: 170+

Thanks to the swashbuckling hit-force at the top of the order, the Kings XI Punjab have the chance of putting up an above par total in Indore on the day. KL Rahul, who has been in incredible form, is the best KXIP player this season and has done the ultimate justice to the heavy price-tag he came with in the auction.

Chris Gayle, though a little inconsistent at times, has provided strong support for Rahul and effectively, the duo has put forth some powerful scores in the first six overs of the innings.

The test for KXIP would be for their middle order to match the exploits of their openers on the day. Karun Nair, Akshdeep Nath, Manoj Tiwary, and Mayank Agarwal have all disappointed and have not been able to live up to the expectations from them. However, if even one of them steps up on the day, KXIP have a strong chance of putting up a big total against KKR.

The KKR bowling unit has not been as consistent as Dinesh Karthik would like it to be. In their last game, the Men in Purple gave away 210 runs against the Mumbai Indians, and looked completely out of sorts against the brute force of the MI batting unit.

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If Kolkata bat first

Predicted score: 150+

The KKR batting unit has not been in great form in the last couple of games. They were unable to chase down 181 against MI in Kolkata last week, before capitulating for 108 all-out against the same opposition in Mumbai earlier this week. These batsmen must be low in confidence going into this game and it will be tough for them to get going against the quality of the KXIP bowling attack.

Andrew Tye, who is the current holder of the purple cap, has been exceptional for the hosts throughout the season. Marcus Stoinis and Mohit Sharma have provided him with good support. Captain Ravichandran Ashwin has been decent with the ball through the tournament too, but it has been his inspired captaincy on the field that has helped his bowlers run through the opposition more often than not.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman has also been a very consistent performer for the Kings with his off-break bowling.

Kolkata, on the other hand, need Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine to get back on track at the top of the order. Nitish Rana started off the season in a good manner, but his form has tapered off in the last couple of weeks.

Captain Karthik, too, has not been able to bring his form from the Nidahas Trophy into the league this season. Shubman Gill has been performed decently up until now and provided the under-19 sensation is fit for this encounter, he will be the vital cog to their batting success on the day.

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Match Prediction

Both the franchises are coming off a loss and will be looking to get back on track with a win here. KXIP have the advantage of playing on their home ground and their batting, despite the underwhelming performance from their middle order, has an edge over that of the visitors. Moreover, the bowling attack of the hosts has been in red-hot form through the length of the tournament.

Kings XI Punjab, thus, look more like the team that can get the two points from this encounter.