Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings Betting Tips & Predictions

KKR vs PBKS Winner Prediction

Recommended Bet: Back Punjab Kings to win @ 1.77 with Pure Win.

When compiling my Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings match winner betting prediction, the first thing I am looking for is the strength in the batting line-up. They say catches win matches, but I subscribe to the guns mean runs philosophy – and the PBKS have a heavy artillery!

The KKR’s lightweight batting was exposed by the RCB on Wednesday – they failed to see out their 20 overs and were bowled out for 128. Five of their top six batsmen all reached double figures, but none could convert their starts into a meaningful score – Andre Russell top scoring with 25 runs.

Conversely, six of the seven PBKS batsmen that chased down 205 in their first match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore contributed healthy scores. A special mention to Odean Smith – the West Indies star effectively won the game for his side with an astonishing 25 runs from 8 balls at a strike rate of 312.50.

I just feel the PBKS have too much power in the shed – that’s why they are my win prediction! I will be backing my match prediction with Pure Win – they are one of the top online cricket betting sites in India and provide competitive odds and a great range of markets. Read our Pure Win review to find out more.

Today’s KKR vs PBKS Hot Bet

Recommended Bet: Back Liam Livingstone to be the Punjab Kings’ top batter @ 5.0 with 10CRIC

The Lancastrian threatened to spark into life for the PBKS on Sunday, smashing two sixes on his way to hitting 19 from 10 balls.

Despite ultimately underperforming, there was enough in his innings to remind us why the PBKS spent so much money on the all-rounder. His career strike rate of 144 speaks for itself and his performance for the Southern Brave in The Hundred last summer (where he was player of the tournament) still sticks in my mind.

I think there is enough juice in the price for me to back him as top scorer for the PBKS against the KKR. I will be placing my bet with 10CRIC – they are one of the best betting sites for individual player markets and provide competitive odds.

KKR Recent Form

Mixed. A promising opening day victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has been franked by a disappointing defeat to RCB on Wednesday.

I was critical of their batting unit above, but there are still some heavy hitters – the likes of Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Sam Billings are capable of providing the fireworks to drag their side to competitive totals.

It’s their bowling unit that delivers the most promise – Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Andre Russell, and Sunnil Narine reads like the international dream team it is! The irrepressible Yadav and Southee claimed five wickets for just 36 runs between them in an admirable effort to defend their meagre total.

If the Kolkata Knight Riders are to have a chance, they will need their bowlers to step up!

PBKS’ Recent Form

There may only be one game to go off, but the Punjab Kings have laid down an early marker as a contender for this year’s IPL crown.

I thought they had one of the strongest IPL Mega Auctions of any side – you can read my full IPL Mega Auction breakdown here – and so far the new signings are looking the part.

The Knight Riders will provide a key litmus test – should they win, I predict the PBKS will build momentum and prove a tough team to stop.

Venue & conditions

The Wankhede Stadium hosts its third game of the IPL tournament . So far, the pitches have favoured the bowlers – there is yet to be a game at the venue this season where a team has scored more than 160 runs.

The weather in Mumbai will be extremely hot throughout Friday, with high humidity levels expected.

Despite the lack of runs so far, I can see Friday’s game being more of a run-fest because of the strength of batting on show.