Kolkata Knight Riders will be banking on a repository of newly-gained accomplishments when it hosts a resurgent Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL-7 match here at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
KKR has emerged as the most proficient outfit in the latter stages of the league, riding on a six-match winning streak that has also ensured it a knockout berth in the bargain.
Their record-equalling feat hinges on the outstanding performance of opening batsman Robin Uthappa and spin spearhead Sunil Narine, who are now the proud owners of the orange and purple caps at the top of the batting and bowling charts. KKR’s previous best performance came in 2012 when it lifted the title after winning six successive matches in the league stage.
On the other hand, SRH suffered a series of setbacks at home before recovering in the last two rounds. Needing a win to survive in the tournament, their aspirations will be buoyed by wins in the last two outings, where it convincingly outplayed the likes of RCB and CSK.
Battle for fourthWhile the three knockout berths have already been sealed in favour of KXIP (18), CSK (16) and KKR (16), SRH’s fate depends on the performance of Rajasthan Royals.
No matter how the battle for fourth pans out, both teams will look for a win. The home side needs one to fulfil its desire of gaining the second spot in the league standings, while the visitor will be looking to avenge the seven-wicket loss against the same opponent at Hyderabad.
Going into the match, the Hyderabad side can also draw a parallel with its more favoured opponent in terms of individual accomplishments. While Uthappa and Narine top the respective categories for KKR, SRH has David Warner and paceman Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Bhuvneshwar and Narine have both taken 20 wickets each, but the latter pips the former to the Purple Cap with a better economy rate. Similarly, KKR opener Uthappa, who currently tops the batting charts with 572 runs, is closely followed by Warner, who has 524 in third spot.
Both sides possess good balance in all departments, but it remains to be seen which one applies itself best on a sporting Eden Gardens pitch, which has so far offered assistance to all.
