GL vs KXIP

KXIP have been one of the underachievers in Indian Premier League. Gujarat Lions, on the other hand, managed to leave their mark inside the two seasons only. GL were a part of the 2016 & 2017 editions of the IPL. Gujarat did emerge as a side to beat in its first season itself. However, Kings XI Punjab, against their reputation, managed to give a stiff competition to the Lions from Gujarat.

KXIP vs GL Head to Head

Over the two seasons, the two sides faced each other for 4 times. The competition has been pretty close as both sides have managed to win 2 games each. Interestingly, no team has managed to win a game at their home. While KXIP have registered both wins in the away games at GL’s home, Gujarat Lions have won both games at KXIP’s home.

Last 4 Meetings

Both sides have shared the honours in the last 4 games with 2 wins each. In 2016, GL won the first game between the two sides, but KXIP got one back in the reverse fixture. In 2017, while KXIP registered a win in the first match prediction, GL was quick to return the favour in the very next game.

KXIP vs GL 2017 meetings

The first fixture between the two sides in IPL 2017 was played at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The home side won the toss and invited the Kings from Punjab to bat first. Punjab didn’t have the best of the starts as they lost the opener Manan Vohra early in the innings. However, Hashim Amla and Shaun Marsh added 70 runs for the 2nd wicket to give a solid platform to KXIP. After the dismissal of Marsh (30 runs), Hashim Amla (65 runs off 40 deliveries) added vital 47 runs alongside Glenn Maxwell (31 runs off 18 deliveries). Axar Patel provided the finishing touches to the KXIP innings as the left-arm all-rounder scored 34 runs off 17 deliveries before getting out. Kings XI Punjab finished at a total of 188/7 in 20 overs. Andrew Tye picked up 2 wickets with the ball for Gujarat Lions. Chasing the target, Gujarat Lions had a poor start. Both openers Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum returned to the hut early in the chase. Suresh Raina (32 runs) and Dinesh Karthik (58 runs unbeaten off 44 deliveries) tried their best to keep things on track. However, no batsman could stick around Karthik and GL could only manage 162/7 in their 20 overs. Kings XI Punjab registered a victory by 26 runs over Gujarat Lions. KC Cariappa picked up 2 wickets for 24 runs in 4 overs for KXIP. Hashim Amla was adjudged player of the match for his sensible knock.

The reverse fixture, KXIP vs GL was played at PCA IS Bindra Stadium Mohali. The visitors won the toss and asked Kings XI Punjab to bat first. The home side lost the opener, Martin Guptill, in the first over of the innings. After that, Hashim Amla alongside Shaun Marsh added 125 runs for the 2nd wicket. Marsh scored 58 runs off 43 deliveries before getting dismissed. Amla kept going for his business and scored a majestic ton before getting out. Amla scored 104 runs off 60 deliveries to take KXIP to a total of 189/3 in 20 overs. Only Dhawal Kulkarni could stop some damage control for GL as the pacer returned with the figures of 1/24 in 4 overs. Chasing the target, Gujarat Lions had an explosive start. Dwayne Smith and Ishan Kishan added 91 runs off 56 deliveries for the first wicket. Dwayne Smith played a knock of 74 runs off 39 deliveries before getting out. After his dismissal, Suresh Raina (39 runs off 25 deliveries) and Dinesh Karthik (35 runs off 23 deliveries) ensured a victory for Gujarat Lions. GL won the game by 6 wickets with 2 deliveries remaining. Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers with the figures of 2/29 in 4 overs. Dwayne Smith was awarded the player of the match.

Top Batsmen for Kings XI Punjab

Hashim Amla is the best batsman for Kings XI Punjab against Gujarat Lions. The South African batsman scored 169 runs against the Lions in just 2 innings including a hundred. Shaun Marsh has scored 88 runs against Gujarat for KXIP in 2 matches at a strike rate of over 131. He is followed by Murali Vijay who has scored 77 runs in 2 games against Gujarat team. Marcus Stoinis has also scored 62 runs in 3 games for KXIP against GL.

Top Bowlers for Kolkata Knight Riders

Kuldeep Yadav is the leading wicket-taker for KKR against Gujarat Lions with 4 wickets in just 2 games. He is followed by the leggie Piyush Chawla and Nathan Coulter-Nile who have picked up 2 wickets each against GL for KKR. Umesh Yadav has also accounted for one wicket in 2 games for KKR against the Gujarat-based franchise.