KKR vs RCB, IPL 2023: Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in high stakes encounter
Wednesday, 26 April 2023 (10:59 IST)
Bengaluru: Having beaten the Royal Challengers Bangalore earlier in the season, the Kolkata Knight Riders will be hoping to do a league double over the home team in a bid to scale up the points table.
The two sides have faced each other on 31 occasions with Kolkata edging the Head-to-Head with 17 wins.
Earlier this season, Kolkata batted first against Bangalore and put on a mammoth 204 runs with the bat, featuring an astonishing late order assault from Shardul Thakur and Rinku Singh.
In reply, Bangalore were bundled out for just 123 with Kolkata spin trio running circles around Bangalore batsmen snaring 9 of the 10 wickets to fall on the night.
Kolkata however will know that Bangalore are coming into this fixture in sublime form and they will be at their best to beat the home side in their yard.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium has historically been a high-scoring ground but the wicket this year has offered something to the seamers with Bangalore being able to defend scores around the 175-190 mark in their last couple of games.
Kolkata think tank would have taken notice of how Bangalore quicks have made use of the conditions and their seamers could influence proceedings on Wednesday.
Sides batting first have fared better at the Chinnaswamy this season, with the home team having won their last 3 games batting first.
Rain could also play a part in the proceedings as a passing shower or two can force the two teams into a re-think.
For Kolkata, Jason Roy has looked in great form with the bat and Kolkata will be counting on him to take the attack to the opposition so that their middle order can make the most of the conditions in the later stages.
Youngster Suyash Sharma who has enjoyed a dream debut season and Varun Chakravarthy, will be ones to watch amongst Kolkata bowlers. Pacers Umesh Yadav and Lockie Ferguson could also play key roles if the conditions continue to assist pacers in Bengaluru.
With 2 crucial points on the line, this fixture promises plenty of action, excitement and drama and come Wednesday Kolkata will be looking to give it their all in a bid to return home with maximum points. (UNI)
