IPL 2025: Match 44, KKR vs PBKS Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between KKR vs PBKS?

Match Overview

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) host Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 44 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) at Eden Gardens on Saturday, April 26.

KKR find themselves in a precarious position, with just three wins and five defeats from eight matches. They suffered a 39-run loss against the Gujarat Titans at home earlier this week. The form of Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh is hurting the defending champions. Another defeat would significantly reduce their chances of reaching the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings are just outside the top four on the points table. They have five wins and three defeats after playing eight matches. They suffered a seven-wicket loss in Mullanpur in their most recent fixture, which was against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer had a blistering start to IPL 2025, but his form has dipped over the last few games. The Mumbai batter will look to get back among the runs and lead his team from the front on Saturday.

These two teams played a low-scoring thriller earlier in the season in Mullanpur. PBKS defended a target of 112, winning by 16 runs. This is the lowest total successfully defended in IPL history.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings Match Details

Eden Gardens Stadium Pitch Report

The Eden Gardens has been an excellent venue for batting, especially in recent years. The average first-innings score this season, after four games, has been around 202. Three out of the four matches have been won by teams batting first. Winning the toss and opting to bat could be a good ploy. Posting a solid total and applying scoreboard pressure on the opposition in the second innings could prove fruitful.

Also Check: KKR vs PBKS Live Score, Match 44

Head-to-Head Record

KKR vs PBKS Predicted Playing 11

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Moeen Ali, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Impact Player: Angkrish Raghuvanshi

Punjab Kings:

Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer (C), Josh Inglis (WK), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh.

Impact Player: Yuzvendra Chahal

KKR vs PBKS Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter of the Match: Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer was dismissed for a duck the last time these two sides met in IPL 2025. He will want to make a mark against his former team on Saturday. Shreyas has scored 263 runs from eight innings at an average of 43.83 and a strike rate of 185.22. He will enjoy batting at Eden Gardens, where the ball comes onto the bat nicely.

Also Check: Orange Cap in IPL 2025

Probable Best Bowler of the Match: Varun Chakaravarthy

Varun Chakaravarthy has not set the tournament ablaze yet, but has bowled decently. It must be noted that he has bowled mostly on unresponsive surfaces at Eden Gardens. In eight matches, the mystery spinner has taken 10 wickets at an average of 20.10. He will look to spin a web around PBKS on Saturday and help KKR return to winning ways.

Today's Match Prediction: Punjab Kings to win the match

Scenario 1

• Kolkata Knight Riders win the toss and bowl
• PP Score - 65-75
• PBKS- 210-220
• Punjab Kings win the match

Scenario 2

• Punjab Kings win the toss and bowl
• PP score - 55-65
• KKR- 200-210
• Punjab Kings win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.