The IPL 2025 is in full swing, and in Match 44, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will play the Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 26, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The match will begin at 7:30 PM IST, as KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane takes on PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer in an important match for both teams to gain valuable points.

Eden Gardens Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 96
• Batting 1st Won: 40
• Batting 2nd Won: 56
• Highest Total: 262/2 by Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024
• Lowest Total: 49 all out by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017
• Highest Run-chase: 262/2 in 18.4 overs by Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024
• Lowest Total Defended: 131 All Out by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017
• Average 1st Innings Score: 166
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 153

Also Read: IPL 2025: KKR vs PBKS Match 44 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather & Pitch Report

The weather conditions in Kolkata on April 26, 2025, will be warm and humid, with temperatures reaching from 32 to 38 degrees Celsius (90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and higher humidity at 65-75 during the evening. Expect to see a batting-friendly pitch; when combined with a fast outfield and shorter boundaries, this generally makes for flourishing, higher-scoring environments. However, the pitch will likely slow down later into the match, and with that, offer some turn for spinners. Dew will have an impact during the second innings and may play a role in benefiting the team batting second.

KKR vs PBKS: Match Preview

Kolkata Knight Riders, led by Ajinkya Rahane, hope to use their strong home record at Eden Gardens in this match. KKR boasts a great batting line-up that includes Quinton de Kock, Sunil Narine, and Andre Russell. With the inclusion of Angkrish Raghuvanshi, KKR has a real blend of experience and youth. Furthermore, KKR also has one of the strongest spin attacks in the tournament with Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. Remember that this is also a pitch that can help slow bowlers. In terms of pace, KKR's depth is provided by Harshit Rana and Anrich Nortje. Although KKR has not performed consistently this season and has only three wins in six matches, they need the win to build momentum moving on to the second half of the tournament. 

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 42: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals Full Match Highlights

Punjab Kings (PBKS), under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, travel full of confidence after last week's historic victory against KKR in Match 31, when PBKS were able to defend the lowest total in IPL history for PBKS (111) at Mullanpur, winning by 16 runs.   PBKS have a powerful batting unit with Shreyas Iyer, Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, and Glenn Maxwell all showing that they can take the game away from you.   Their bowling was led by Yuzvendra Chahal (the leading wicket taker in the IPL for this season so far) and Arshdeep Singh, and the bowling unit includes Marco Jansen and Xavier Bartlett.   The only factor that could hinder PBKS today is the absence of Lockie Ferguson due to injury. PBKS’s recent form (three wins in five matches) and their ability to pull off a record chase of 262 against KKR at Eden Gardens in 2024 make them a dangerous side, despite their inconsistent home record.