IPL Match 18: Kings XI Punjab vs Chennai Super Kings Prediction and Preview

While Kings XI Punjab are no strangers to being 7th on the table with 3 losses out of 4, Chennai Super Kings are in new territory. While it could be argued that KXIP have been unlucky or overwhelmed by some incredible performances by their opponents, CSK have no one to blame but themselves. While Punjab needs to fix their inability to close out matches, Chennai needs to show more intent with the bat, and perhaps inject some fresh blood into the team - the high average age of their players is really beginning to show. Both teams would like to get out of the position they’re in, and a defeat for either could mean a complete break of morale. Before this critical battle of nerves ensues, let’s take a look at the two teams.

Kings XI Punjab Preview & Form

After two defeats where the match could have gone either way, Kings XI Punjab finally underwent a comprehensive defeat at the hands of defending Champions Mumbai Indians. Some poor death bowling and solid pinch-hitting boosted Mumbai’s score from 124 in the 17th over to 191 total. In reply, Punjab just never seemed to be getting anywhere. Nicholas Pooran high-scored with a decent 44, but other than a couple of other starts, nothing was accomplished with the bat, and Punjab settled at 143. Of course, your players won’t always perform, but KXIP must learn to edge out the competition if they want to move up the table.

Chennai Super Kings Preview & Form

The most consistent team in the IPL seems to be floundering, and they seem to be doing that with consistency as well. For three straight matches, they have started off much slower than required, and kept putting off the aggression required to assail even an average T20 target to pay the price. Coming up against Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 164, they kept playing slowly until the target was all but out of reach, and then slowly slipped past that horizon. As the only team to have been in contention for the title every season that they played in, they need to improve their batting - and by quite a lot - if they are to keep that reputation intact.

KXIP vs CSK Match Prediction

As long as Punjab can play like they have been playing, they should be able to win this given Chennai’s miserable form. Expect KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Mohammad Shami, and Sheldon Cottrell to excel in their respective fields.

CSK need a complete overhaul of both their squad and their performances if they are to improve their position on the table. Expect Faf du Plessis and Sam Curran to hit some big ones, while Deepak Chahar and Dwayne Bravo pick up important wickets.

Who will win the 18th match?

Match Prediction: Kings XI Punjab Win (2.01 @ 1XBET)

Additional Betting Tips:

• Toss - CSK

• KXIP top batsman – K Rahul

• CSK top batsman – F du Plessis

• Players with most boundaries - K Rahul (KXIP), F du Plessis (CSK)

• Players to score a fifty – M Agarwal/K Rahul (KXIP), S Curran/F du Plessis(CSK) 

• Players to take most wickets - M Shami (KXIP), D Bravo (CSK) 

• Most fours - KXIP

• Most sixes - KXIP

Can KL Rahul’s squad get the best of CSK’s pitiful state? Or will Dhoni’s side finally fix their issues to mount a comeback? Find out on Sunday!