On October 7, Sharjah will be the host venue for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, the IPL 2021 match. This match could prove crucial to deciding which teams will qualify for the playoffs, with a four-way contest among KKR, RR, MI, and PBKS underway. In this article, we preview the game and forecast the outcome.
Match Predictions and Betting Odds
Last Meeting
In the last meeting between the sides in Mumbai on 24 April 2021, KKR batted first. An absence of big partnerships saw them reduced to 61 for 4 in the 11th over. Despite a recovery to 94 for 4 at the start of the 16th over, KKR failed to build on the platform and were eventually restricted to 133/9. For KKR, Rahul Tripathi was the top scorer with 36 from 26 balls. For RR, Chris Morris, who took 4 for 23, was the most impressive bowler on the night.
When RR replied, they lost 2 wickets of 40 within the powerplay but recovered through a 45-run stand for the third wicket. They were happily placed at 85 for 3 in the 11th over, the ideal platform for their eventual 6-wicket win, with 7 balls to spare. Samson made a top score with 42 from 41 balls, while Chakravarthy, who took 2/32, was KKR’s best bowler.
H2H
Match Prediction
In our match 54 prediction, we believe that KKR will beat RR on 7 October.
Betting Odds
Betting odds favour KKR to prevail over RR on 7 October.
Summary
In arriving at our KKR vs RR match prediction, we have considered – apart from the H2H comparison and betting odds – the overall strengths of the teams. KKR are stronger in every area, though the absence of Russell through injury has hurt them, especially in the bowling department.