 As the Indian Premier League moves towards the final few group matches, two matches will be played on Saturday. The first of the two features Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders - the two sides in good health to qualify for the playoffs.
Kolkata Knight Riders have made winning a habit with six consecutive wins. They
held the top spot for a little while and are currently second on the points table.
With four matches to play, and 17 points scored, they look solidly placed.
Click for Live Score Card of Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Mumbai Indians
Their confidence must be sky high having beaten Delhi Daredevils in the last
match by six wickets. Once again, the top three batsmen shouldered much of the
responsibility with Brendon McCullum scoring a half-century while Gautam Gambhir and Jacques Kallis chipped in with 30s. Bowling has also looked
a stable unit with Sunil Narine still being difficult to read. Kallis' consistency
with the ball also lends a useful balance to the side.
Mumbai Indians are third on the points table with 14 points from 13 matches and
they need to win their next match to keep the boat reasonably well alive. A defeat
to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last match has slightly offset their momentum.
The batsmen struggled to score freely with only Dinesh Karthik putting
together any innings of substance. Kieron Pollard's cameo at the end powered
by two last-over sixes would be a welcome sign and the team will be hoping for
plenty of similar fireworks from him in the coming matches.
The bowlers were rendered ineffective by Chris Gayle's blitz but they will
be hoping to do better against the Kolkata line up. Lasith Malinga, though
failed to pick up wickets, was economical while Harbhajan Singh also looks in
good form.
The match will be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata starting at 4pm.
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