IPL 2024, Match 42: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings – Match preview and result prediction

Match 42 of the IPL 2024 edition will see two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Friday (April 26). The second-positioned Kolkata will like to continue their winning run and get to 12 points whereas Punjab, who are in the ninth spot, need a revival at the earliest with their playoff chances looking slim.

KKR are coming into this clash on the back of a thrilling one-run win over bottom-ranked Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at home. Posting 222/6, riding on contributions from Shreyas Iyer (50) and Phil Salt's 48 (14), Kolkata managed to dismiss RCB for 221 on the last ball. With them being a force to reckon with at home, Punjab face the herculean task of stopping themon Friday eveningin front of a jam-packed stadium.

Talking about Punjab, the one-time finalists are entering this game after a three-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) at Mullanpur, Chandigarh. Their batting has been ordinary and the big guns need to step up sooner than later. They need to click in all departments, which hasn't been the casein mostgames. They are fighting till the last ball in every contest, which is a positive sign, but now need favourable results to move forward.

Meanwhile, Punjab's bowling has fared better than batting but also needs improvement in the business end of the competition.

Match preview and result prediction: Expect another 200-plus total as the average score batting first at the Eden is 204 this season. A dry surface and shorter side boundaries will aid the batters. The chasing team will also be in the contest as the pitch will remain good throughout. Overall, expect a run-fest with KKR most likely to keep their winning run going.