IPL 2018, KKR vs KXIP Match Prediction: Who will win today's match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab

The task is simple. Whoever wins the game between KKR and KXIP goes to the top of the table in IPL 2018. Although it is still early days, it is a place that both sides would love to occupy.

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It has been a topsy-turvy season for KKR, who have three out of five but are slowly finding their way in the tournament. Kings XI, on the other hand, seem to have settled on their starting XI and have one of the most destructive batting line-ups in the competition.

It will be interesting to see who comes out on top in this battle between bat and ball. Let's take a look at how the match might turn out:

Date: April 21

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Time: 20:00 IST

If Kolkata Knight Riders bat first

Predicted score: 170+

Despite being tipped by many as one of the contenders for the wooden spoon at the start of the season, KKR were top of the table until CSK's win over RR. They know that a win over Kings XI Punjab will catapult them back to the top. Although they have three wins from five, they still have a few problems to address.

While they finally got Shivam Mavi involved, they are yet to get Shubman Gill into the game. Sunil Narine has floated between opening and batting in the middle-order and there is still a bit of uncertainty about their pace attack and Andre Russell's role in the side.

Chris Lynn is still finding his way back to full fitness and form. Sunil Narine has been hit and miss but Nitish Rana has been the glue that has held this batting order together. Robin Uthappa and Dinesh Karthik have both done their bit with the bat and despite their three wins, their batting order hasn't clicked as a group in even a single game.

Against a bowling attack that has some excellent death bowlers and variety in the spin department, they will need to be on point if they are to put on an above par score.

If Kings XI Punjab bat first

Predicted score: 180+

With both Chris Gayle and KL Rahul off to a great start to the tournament, Kings XI Punjab have arguably the most destructive opening pair in the tournament. With the likes of Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal, Yuvraj Singh and Aaron Finch in the middle-order, they have plenty of fire power to dismantle any attack in the tournament.

What sort of a total Kings XI end up getting will depend on the start they get. If Rahul or Gayle get going, 200 is on the cards but given the quality of spinners that KKR have and the nature of the pitch at Kolkata, that seems seem unlikely.

Although Kings XI have plenty of fire power in their batting line-up, they will face their stiffest task yet as they take on an in-form three-pronged spin attack on a surface that will help them. Kuldeep Yadav, Piyush Chawla and Sunil Narine all bring something different to the table and a couple of early wickets could test the depth of the Kings XI batting line-up.

If one of KL Rahul or Chris Gayle get going, there is simply no stopping Punjab but doing so against a strong spin attack won't be easy. However, given the middle-order's ability to play spin well and KKR's lack of proven death bowlers, they should have enough in the tank to put on a total in excess of 180.

Match prediction:

Both sides rely on their strong batting line-ups to get them over the line on a consistent basis. While Kings XI have more destructive power, KKR boast of more variety with the ball, especially in the spin department. Ashwin's intelligent tactics as captain and coupled with their strong batting line-up and varied bowling line-up will give Kings XI the edge even though they are playing away from home.