Indian T20 League 2022: Punjab vs Kolkata – Match 8: Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report and; Live streaming details

Over the years, There have been some really entertaining games between Kolkata and Punjab. Both these teams would want to gain winning momentum and get two more points. The eighth game of the Indian T20 league 2022 promises to be a cracker of a contest.

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While Punjab won their opening game against Bangalore on Sunday, Kolkata lost their previous encounter against the same side. Having said that, they won their opening game as well. It is to be noted that despite losing to Bangalore in a low-scoring thriller, they were superb as they nearly defended a below-par total of 128.

Punjab however would be pleased with their batting as they chased a mammoth 206. It isn't going to be easy for them this time around as they will be facing the wrath of the Kolkata bowlers, who have been fabulous so far in the tournament. This game is expected to see an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, i.e. Punjab battles and Kolkata's bowlers.

Besides, a loss over here and the Shreyas Iyer-led side might start to worry. Although the Mayank Agarwal-led side can afford a loss, they would want to be the first team to get to four points. Another important point to be noted is that both teams have a lot of new faces who would want to showcase their abilities to the world.

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Pitch Report:

This game shall be taking place at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Contrary to the general norm, this track hasn't really been batting-friendly. Pacers have got a lot of assistance. Both teams would want to win the toss and bowl first

Team Combinations:

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Kolkata:

Kolkata wouldn't want to make too many changes just because of one loss. Brendon McCullum has always believed in backing players. Hence, one can expect them to field the same XI

Predicted playing XI:

Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sheldon Jackson (wk), Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

Punjab:

Kagiso Rabada is available and thus, is set to be drafted into the XI. He could replace Raj Bawa, who was dismissed for a first-ball duck against Bangalore. Other than that, they aren't expected to make any further changes.

Predicted playing XI:

Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk), Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Odean Smith, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar, Sandeep Sharma

Match Details:

Kolkata vs Punjab, Match 8

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Date &Time: April 1st at 7:30 PM IST and local time

Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar