Our Prediction
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Team Combination of Kolkata Knight Riders this year all right as they have bought some quality players like Eoin Morgan , Pat Cummins and Exciting Tom Banton in the Auction.
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Presence of Andre Rusell gives immense strenght and boost to any Team such is the Aura of this player especially in the shortest format as he is a match winner from Both Bat and Bowl as well as in Field also.
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As the pitch in Abu Dhabi is on the slow side and will help the spinners , Kolkata has a strong Spin Department as they have Sunil Narine as well as Kuldeep yadav in their side . It will not going to be an easy task to attack the spinners of this quality .
Kolkata Knigh Riders will be eager to get off the mark in a grand style against the Mumbai Indians, who have lost their opening encounter against CSK . KKR Strenght has always been their batting in the past seasons. The two time IPL Champion have a much more balanced side with the inclusion of Eoin Morgan adding the much needed balance in the fragile Middle Order . Sunil Narine may open the batting along side Shubman Gill to give KKR a Brisk Start required in the Powerplay . The middle order consist of Nitish Rana , Dinesh Kartik , Eoin Morgan and the DRE RUSS will be given the task to give power and explosiveness required at the back end of the inning. Kolkata also have a decent bowling lineup with Sunil Narine and Kuldeep yadav being the spin twins along side Pat Cummins , Shivam Mavi and prasidha Krishna.
On the other hand , despite boasting an power packed batting unit , Mumbai Indians failed to capitalise on a good start and sucummed to an Ambati Rayudu special in the opener . Finding the correct balance will be a challenge for the Mumbai Indians as they collapse in the first game but Mumbai Indians is known for their historical comebacks . Eyes will be on Jasprit Bumrah as he was seen off colour in the opener and will like to bounce back strongly . In Batting department Rohit Sharma has to step up and lead from front along side Quinton De kock and Suryakumar yadav . Sourav Tiwary seems to be in great touch against Csk . Pandya Brothers would also like to contribute to the team along with Keiron Pollard.
PITCH REPORT
The pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium was a touch on the slower side in the opening IPL 2020 encounter between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. While the ball did come on nicely, change of pace and a hint of inconsistent bounce troubled the batsmen who had to bide their time in the middle before going big.
The spinners will be crucial in the middle phase, although there is some grass on the surface that could offer some help to the pacers as well. Batting under the lights is relatively easy with the ball skidding on to the bat nicely, so either side will look to chase after winning the toss.
TOSS PREDICTION
Toss could go either way but the team winning the toss should bowl first to get the best bowling conditions. Both team backs their strong batting lineup and will like to chase down the given target.
HEAD TO HEAD
TOTAL MATCHES PLAYED - 25
MUMBAI WINS - 19
KOLKATA WINS - 6
