Kolkata Knight Riders will be keen to pull off its second win of the season and get closer to a playoffs berth in IPL 2021 when it takes on Punjab Kings on Friday.
The intensity of the contest is expected to be high at the Ring of Fire in Dubai.
KKR, fourth with 10 points, will try to remain in the top half, while PBKS, with just two points, will be desperate to win its remaining three matches.
The Eoin Morgan-led KKR has players who have contributed in key moments to provide a distinct momentum to the side in the Gulf-leg of the event.
Taking responsibility
Performers like eye-catching all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, Sunil Narine, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Lockie Fergusson and promising spinner Varun Chakravarthy have taken the responsibility at the time of need.
The win over the formidable Delhi Capitals and a better head-to-head record (19 wins, nine losses) against PBKS should spur the team, which will play an evening match after two consecutive day encounters.
PBKS has enough resources, but it has not managed to seize the important moments.
Recovering from its defeat to Mumbai Indians, PBKS will rely on captain K.L. Rahul and Aiden Markram in the batting department while hoping that Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran regain their form.
Efficient bowlers in Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh and Nathan Ellis have it in them to go for the kill.
