Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will clash in the do-or-die match 54 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in order to make their way to the playoff at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. This also happens to be their last league game in IPL 2020.
It has been a topsy-turvy campaign for both sides, but KKR will be slightly disappointed with where they currently stand in this season's competition.
Despite being a side having stars from across the globe including two former IPL MVPs - Sunil Narine and Andre Russell - KKR have largely underwhelmed - six wins so far.
A change in captaincy also hasn't changed their fortunes, and with an inferior NRR and a bowling attack that lacks confidence, KKR are down for the count.
As for their opponents, Rajasthan Royals, have found their mojo back with Ben Stokes leading from the front. The all-rounder has led RR to two massive wins against MI and KXIP. However, like KKR, the Royals also have a negative NRR. RR will also need to make sure they make a change in their bowling attack that has relied too heavily upon Jofra Archer.
The earlier fixture saw KKR beat RR by a huge margin; although, Rajasthan Royals are the clear favourites heading into this game.
Head-to-head encounters
Matches played - 21
Won by Rajasthan Royals – 10
Won by Kolkata Knight Riders – 11
Last five encounters
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, October 01, 2020, Dubai. Result: Kolkata Knight Riders won by 37 runs
Inspired Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowlers set the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on fire as they came out all guns blazing to help their team to a thumping 37-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 12th IPL match. It was RR's first defeat of the tournament while KKR registered their second win in three games. While defending 174/6 in 20 overs, the KKR bowlers not only picked wickets at regular intervals but they were also quite economical as most of the RR batsman faltered.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, April 25, 2019, Kolkata. Result: Rajasthan Royals won by three wickets
Kolkata Knight Riders were boosted by a brilliant knock of 97 from skipper Dinesh Karthik as they reached 175/6. Piyush Chawla picked up three wickets and Sunil Narine managed 2/20 as Rajasthan Royals stumbled in the chase. However, Riyan Parag and a blitz of 27 off 12 balls from Jofra Archer gave Rajasthan Royals a tense win.
Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, April 7, 2019, Jaipur. Result: Kolkata Knight Riders won by eight wickets
An underwhelming batting performance from Rajasthan Royals saw them getting smashed by Kolkata Knight Riders. Steve Smith hit 73 but he found no support as Rajasthan Royals managed just 139/3. In response, Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine notched up a partnership of 91 in 8.3 overs, with Lynn smashing a fifty and Narine hitting 47. Robin Uthappa sealed the game with a couple of sixes as Kolkata Knight Riders won in style.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, May 23, 2018, Eliminator, Kolkata. Result: Kolkata Knight Riders won by 25 runs
Dinesh Karthik hit a blazing 52 but it was Andre Russell who changed the entire course of the match with his amazing 49 off 25 balls as Kolkata Knight Riders reached 169/7. Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson gave Rajasthan Royals a good start but they were undone by some wonderful pressure bowling from Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav as they fell short to be knocked out of the IPL.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, May 15, 2018, Kolkata. Result: Kolkata Knight Riders won by six wickets
Kuldeep Yadav was the star with 4/20 as Rajasthan Royals managed just 142 in 19 overs. Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine and Dinesh Karthik all chipped in as Kolkata Knight Riders chased down the total without much difficulty.
