The stage is set for a high-voltage clash at the Eden Gardens as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 36th match of IPL 2024. It will be the first game of Sunday's (April 21) double-header.
KKR will be brimming with confidence as they currently hold the second spot in the points table, boasting a strong performance with four wins out of six games. Sunil Narine has been their star all-rounder, leading the batting charts for KKR with 276 runs and chipping in with seven wickets as well.
RCB, on the other hand, are struggling at the bottom of the table, having managed just one win from seven matches. Their batting, however, has found some spark with Virat Kohli leading the charge as the tournament's highest run-scorer. Dinesh Karthik has also been amongst the runs in the lower order. However, their ineffective bowling remains a big concern.
As both teams gear up for today's mega clash, here are three milestones that could be reached in the KKR vs. RCB fixture.
#3 Faf du Plessis could complete 10,000 T20 runs
Adding another layer of intrigue to this match-up is RCB captain Faf du Plessis' personal milestone. While he remains retired from international cricket, du Plessis has a stellar T20 record to his name.
Across 365 matches, the right-hander has amassed 9,919 runs at an average of 32.3. His tally is the 15th highest in the format's history. Du Plessis is just 81 runs away from completing the landmark of scoring 10,000 runs.
If he achieves the feat against KKR today, Du Plessis will become only the second South African after David Miller (10,145) to go past the five-figure mark.
#2 Sunil Narine could surpass Lasith Malinga's tally
KKR's very own Sunil Narine finds himself on the cusp of a historic bowling milestone as well. Currently tied with Lasith Malinga for the seventh-highest wicket-taker in IPL history with 170 scalps, Narine needs just one more wicket to surpass the Sri Lankan legend.
The wily spinner has been in exceptional form this season, and achieving this feat at the familiar Eden Gardens would be a moment to cherish for both Narine and the KKR faithful.
#1 Virat Kohli could become the first player to score 1000 runs in KKR vs RCB matches
The battle between KKR and RCB isn't just about collective team fortunes; individual milestones are also on the line.
Virat Kohli, the current IPL 2024 Orange Cap holder, sits just 56 runs away from a unique feat. He has a phenomenal record against KKR, having amassed 944 runs at an impressive average of 37.7.
If Kohli can manage even a decent knock today, he'll become the first player ever to score 1000 runs in matches between these two sides. This record would solidify his dominance against KKR and further etch his name in the IPL history books.
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