A recap of the last year’s final is on the cards as the Kolkata Knight Riders take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad in a much-awaited encounter. KKR are back home in Kolkata after a couple of away games and will be hoping to make the most of their home conditions to make sure they pick up this important victory. The KKR-SRH clash brings back fond memories for the Knights about not just the finale but the thrilling league stage game last year where KKR were able to come out on top and it started a magical journey towards the ultimate glory. The fans will be eager to be at the Eden Gardens cheering for their favourite knights for this huge encounter.

KKR vs SRH by the numbers:

KKR come into this game with a 4-0 winning streak over the Sunrisers which will give them a significant edge. KKR haven’t lost a game against SRH since April 2023. In the bigger context, KKR has a head-to-head record of 19-9 over SRH which will be even a bigger boost for them.

Pitch & Ground Conditions:

For the first time in a long time, the Eden Gardens might be a dry surface which assists the spinners. While the dew still remains a factor, KKR will have an advantage with quality spinners like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy in their ranks to maximise any help from the surface.

The Big Matchup: SRH’s batting firepower vs KKR’s spin contingent

In case the surface is their friend, the KKR’s spin duo of Narine-Chakaravarthy can make things really difficult for SRH’s aggressive batting order. Additionally, KKR also have an option to add another spinner to their lineup with Moeen Ali, who really turned the game in their favour vs RR, waiting in the wings. Despite the conditions, SRH batters will keep going hard at the bowlers which can create opportunities for the KKR bowlers to capitalise.

Quotes:

“Our bowlers have done a fantastic job throughout these few games. This will be another test for the bowlers against an aggressive batting lineup but they can open up the game for us if they pick up those early wickets. For us as a bowling group it is important for us to stick to the basics and execute our plans to the fullest” - KKR mentor DJ Bravo in pre-match press conference.