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Knight Riders eye win to hold on to top-four spot
- Updated: May 13, 2016
Match facts
Saturday, May 14, 2016 Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)
Big Picture
Kolkata Knight Riders played previously on Sunday and lost to Gujarat Lions by five wickets. Six days later, they could head into their match against Rising Pune Supergiants having lost their top-four spot. Yet, with three of their four remaining games at home, a playoffs berth is Knight Riders’ to lose.
Yusuf Pathan’s return to form has bolstered their middle order. Manish Pandey has recovered from chicken pox. Andre Russell is firing with bat and ball. The chinks in Knight Riders’ armour aren’t vulnerable. However, a big loss will affect their net run rate and hurt them, given the cluttered mid-table.
At the other end of the scale, Supergiants have been all but wrestled out of contention for a playoffs spot. A loss on Saturday will exterminate any slim chances they currently have.
The difference between the two sides has been the bowling attack. Knight Riders have depth and penetration, which Supergiants have lacked. Injuries and crucial losses at the toss have not helped Supergiants either. Ajinkya Rahane’s consistency has helped set up strong platforms for the end overs, but a lack of middle and lower-order firepower has resulted in sub-par totals. At best, Supergiants can improve their …
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