IPL 2018: Match 44, KXIP vs KKR: Must win time for both teams as they seek playoff qualification

KKR are on 10 points while KXIP 12.

Must win game forr both teams.

Its crunch time for both Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders as both teams are in desperate need to victories to stay in contention for the playoffs. Sunrisers Hyderabad have already booked a berth in the playoffs. CSK too are inching close to it. Next in line are these two teams with Mumbai Indians down their neck as they have picked uoo momentum. 

Today's match thus becomes a do or die for both teams as the tournament comes around its business end. Key players from both teams should stand up and make a sizeable contribution towards their team's success. One expects that ite team work thats required at this point in time rather than individual performances.  The journey for both teams so far has been like a pendulum swing full of ups and down, failing to hold on to the momentum. There iis no further time to fall short now as even one mistake from either side can coast their team big. 

As far as team changes from both camps are concerned, Gill and Johnson might return for KKR, while KXIP are pondering over Manoj Tiwary or Yuvraj Singh. Marcus Stoinis will be preferred over, Finch or Miller because of his all-round abilities. 

As far as playing conditions are concerned, a 4 pm start means conditions will be hot and humid with temperatures rising up to 44 degrees. With power hitters in both sides, plenty of runs can be expected in the game. 

Toss 

Kings XI Punjab have won the toss and have opted to field

Playing XI 

Kings XI Punjab : Chris Gayle, Lokesh Rahul(w), Mayank Agarwal, Aaron Finch, Karun Nair, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Barinder Sran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Kolkata Knight Riders : Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 12 May, 2018

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