 In a rather inconsequential match, Kolkata Knight Riders will square off
against Pune Warriors later on Saturday as both teams end their round of
league matches. There are no qualification scenarios under consideration in this
match as Kolkata Knight Riders have already qualified for the playoffs while Pune
Warriors have been relegated.
In their last match, Kolkata Knight Riders won by 32 runs against Mumbai Indians,
hence propelling their qualification for the playoffs. In the dead rubber, the
team could experiment and test their bench strength. Sunil Narine may
be rested though he is the joint-highest wicket-taker this season with 21 wickets
so far and also picked up four wickets against Mumbai in a modest target to
defend. Shakib Al Hassan has played the last couple of matches to little effect
and Brett Lee could be a contender to come in his place. The team has
been embroiled in off-field controversy though with owner Shahrukh Khan getting
engaged in a post-match fight with the Mumbai officials. The Bollywood star's
reaction may possibly bring out further aggression from the players.
Click for Live Score Card of Pune Warriors Vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Pune Warriors will be back in action after a week while the team is no longer
in contention for the playoffs with only four wins so far. Saving face will
rate high on the priority list for Sourav Ganguly's men who were beaten comprehensively
by Rajasthan Royals in the last match. Ganguly himself has been under tremendous
pressure and could be the last time he takes the field in an IPL match, should
he decide to not play the next season. Michael Clarke will return to
the side after flying home for his wedding during the week-long break. Ashish Nehra will be relied upon with the ball.
The match will be played at Pune, the home ground for Pune Warriors, starting
at 8.00pm.
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