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In one of the fiercest rivalries, Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore will clash in the match no. 9 of the IPL 2023. The two teams will meet at the home of KKR – Eden Gardens on Thursday, April 6. Royal Challengers Bangalore, who were dominant in their first game, head into this game as favourites with 4/6 (1.66) odds. Kolkata Knight Riders have a tougher task of winning this encounter at 5/4 (2.25).
These odds from Ladbrokes were correct at the time of writing.
- Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Match 09
- April 6, 2023 – 2 PM GMT
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Contents
Eden Gardens, in limited overs cricket, is a batting beauty and a nightmare for the bowlers. Flat pitches, fast outfield and short boundaries is a perfect recipe for high-scoring contests. It has been the highest scoring venue in the IPL since 2017, with the average first innings score of 179 from 25 matches.
The Kolkata weather is likely to be hazy and warm throughout the day on Thursday. There’s no rain threat with the temperature ranging between 21-26°C during the evening.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Match Predictions
Royal Challengers Bangalore have won three out of the previous five encounters between the two sides. They are also coming off a dominant win over Mumbai Indians in the first game of this season. RCB have a better bowling attack than Kolkata Knight Riders and an in-form opening pair.
Prediction 1
RCB to hit most sixes
10/11 (1.90)
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Prediction 2
Siraj to be RCB's Top Bowler
3/1 (4.00)
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Probable 6s
Royal Challengers Bangalore have Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik and Michael Bracewell in their line-up. RCB smashed 13 sixes in their opening fixture. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, have a vulnerable batting unit.
Our prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore to hit most sixes in the match at 10/11 (1.90).
Probable Wickets
Mohammed Siraj looked in pretty good rhythm in the previous game against Mumbai, picking 1 for 21 in four overs. Back him to be Royal Challengers Bangalore’ top wicket-taker at 3/1 (4.00). From the other side, you can back Sunil Narine to be the top bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders at 3/1 (4.00).
Our prediction: Mohammed Siraj to be Royal Challengers Bangalore’ highest wicket-taker at 3/1 (4.00).
Man of the Match
Faf du Plessis has been in glorious form and was excellent versus MI, smashing 73 off just 43 deliveries. Back du Plessis to be the player of the match at 8/1 (9.00). Among others, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell and Andre Russell are top betting options.
Our prediction: Faf du Plessis to be the Man of the Match at 8/1 (9.00).
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Preview
The two teams are coming into this game on the back of contrasting results. Let’s take a look at KKR and RCB ahead of their clash on Thursday.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders lost their opening game of the season to Punjab Kings by 7 runs on DLS method, chasing 192.
KKR had a weird looking batting order last game, with Mandeep Singh and Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top followed by four left handers. The pace attack has Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee and Shardul Thakur.
Predicted XI: Venkatesh Iyer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Anukul Roy, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Shardul Thakur, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers kicked off their campaign with a resounding eight-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at home.
Josh Hazlewood was already injured and RCB are more depleted with Reece Topley suffering a shoulder injury. David Willey is likely to get some game-time. Wanindu Hasaranga remains unavailable for this game and so Michael Bracewell will keep his spot.
Predicted XI: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Anuj Rawat, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Michael Bracewell, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep
How to Watch IPL 2023 in the UK: Live Streaming & Channel List
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the IPL 2023 broadcast on Sky Sports Cricket. For online streaming, you can access the DAZN application.
- Sky Sports Cricket (TV)
- DAZN (Streaming)
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