Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Gujarat Lions (GL), IPL 2016, Match 38 at Kolkata: Brendon McCullum vs Sunil Narine and other key clashes

The leaders of this edition of IPL, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to clash against level headed Gujarat Lions (GL) in Match 38 of IPL 2016 at Kolkata. GL have gone past KKR with 10 games in this edition while KKR have played just 9 and both teams have won 6 matches equally. This could be the only moment for GL to go past KKR if they want to secure themselves for the playoffs. KKR, who are recently coming off a close win over Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by seven runs, would be riding high on confidence. As for GL, coming with a dreadful experience against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), they will want to get better with their performance especially with their same level opponent KKR. In this must win match for both teams, let’s have look at the possible key clashes: FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016, Match 38 at Kolkata

Dwayne Smith vs Morne Morkel: Dwayne Smith has been at par with performance in previous outings, although he could not give his best against SRH and was gone too soon. This will be one opportunity Smith will want to capitalise on especially on scoring pitch like Eden Gardens. These teams have not played a single match yet in this tournament so considering Morne Morkel opens the attack for KKR, he can surely leave Smith spell bound. Morkel’s 1 for 27 against KXIP was just fine to restrict the opponent. It will be interesting how a confident Smith over takes Morkel’s attack.

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Brendon McCullum vs Sunil Narine: KKR thrive on their spin attack and leading from the front is Narine. He might have not been his best in this edition so far but knowing his history, one can only imagine the possible googlies expected. McCullum, on the hindsight, can pick up the shots well and sometimes judge the googlies well with the right defense. Both are experienced players which will come handy against each other. McCullum’s consistency has been at the top and has also been lauded for complimenting his opening partner well be it Aaron Finch or Dwayne Smith. ALSO READ: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016, Match 38 at Kolkata, Preview: KKR aim to dominate top spot

Suresh Raina vs Shakib Al Hasan: Skipper Raina has been at the top with his innings in every game, especially the way he lead the game against SRH single-handedly with his knock of 75. Knowing what he can do at the top order, KKR’s spinner Shakib Al Hasan has something to be wary about. Shakib has not be at par this IPL and knowing how Raina has done his part at the top order most of the time for GL, this will be one clash to vouch for.

Gautam Gambhir vs Praveen Kumar: Gambhir might have been at his best against KXIP being knocked out too soon, but his half-centuries in almost every game has helped to post mammoth total on scoreboard every single time. Praveen Kumar’s on and off performance has been matter of concern, though his bowling at the death overs against Delhi Daredevils (DD) was lauded. He has managed to scalp one or two in every game, this time around GL would expect him to show his economical bowling skills right back.

Andre Russell vs Dwayne Bravo: This clash can be considered in any form. Be it the middle-order or all-rounder clash. Both all-rounders have done their bit in the middle. Russell has shown his skills with ball at the initial overs, while Bravo has grabbed two wickets in an over particularly in the death to keep GL at the top against SRH. Knowing what these Caribbeans can do in the middle along with the ball, it will the clash Eden Gardens could witness on Sunday.

(Shruti Hariharan is a Content Writer with CricketCountry. You can follow her on Twitter at @Shruti_2890)