IPL 8 Match Preview: Kolkata Knight Riders look for home comfort, one last time

Piyush Chawla produced a brilliant spell of spin bowling and took 3 of his 4 wickets in space of 2 overs to break DD’s chase as KKR won by 13 runs. (Source: BCCI)

Kolkata Knight Riders (bt DD)

What went right: The best thing about Kolkata’s victory was that two of their bits and pieces players turned out to be the match-winners. Johan Botha hit four consecutive fours in the final over, bowled by Zaheer Khan, to help his team post an imposing total. Then Piyush Chawla confused the Delhi batters with his leg-breaks and googlies to return with a four-for.

What went wrong: Hardly anything on the day. But they need to watch out for their over-reliance on the Eden Gardens pitch. They have to play their final two group league matches in Mumbai. The defending champions’ away record this season: played five, lost three.

Kings XI Punjab (lost to RCB)

What Went Wrong: Everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong for KXIP this season, and the last match was no exception. With a 138-run loss, it was probably the culmination of a forgettable season.

Conclusion

Kolkata should cruise, unless the lack of pressure finally unburdens Kings XI Punjab.