Punjab Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders IPL preview | Match 31

PBKS v KKR best bets

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders match preview

The Punjab Kings will be looking to bounce back from their eight-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad when they host the Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 31 of IPL 2025.

Despite putting up a mammoth 245 on the board—thanks to another classy 82 from captain Shreyas Iyer—Punjab’s bowlers had no answer to the Travis Head–Abhishek Sharma blitz.

It was the second-highest successful run chase in IPL history, and it exposed serious cracks in the Kings’ bowling attack.

The loss of fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who limped off early, only worsens the outlook for a bowling unit already leaking at more than 10 runs per over. Yuzvendra Chahal’s form is a growing concern—just two wickets in five matches at an economy of 11.13 is far from the experienced spinner’s best. With Praveen Dubey or Harpreet Singh waiting in the wings, Punjab may consider a shake-up.

Kolkata, meanwhile, were clinical in their demolition of Chennai Super Kings, chasing down 104 in just 10.1 overs. Sunil Narine starred with both bat and ball, and the West Indian veteran’s performance will give the Knight Riders hope that they are beginning to click at the right time.

With three wins from six games and sitting fourth on the ladder, KKR look more balanced, especially with a settled XI. Their bowling has more bite than Punjab’s, and their batting, while inconsistent, is packed with power—especially if Narine continues to shine up top.

The surface at Mullanpur has been a batter’s dream so far in IPL 2025. Punjab have posted 219 and 245 in their last two home games, but crucially, both were successfully defended or almost defended. With 30+ T20 matches at the venue now, there’s a developing trend favouring the team batting first.

Punters can expect another high-scoring affair, with par likely in the 190–200 range. Backing both sides to go over their innings runs could be a smart angle—especially KKR, given Punjab’s bowling woes.

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders predictions

Despite the talent on both sides, Punjab Kings appear too reliant on individual brilliance with the bat, while their bowling is proving a liability. The Knight Riders, on the other hand, are starting to find a rhythm and have fewer question marks around their line-up. If they can limit Punjab’s early fireworks and take pace off the ball smartly, they should edge this one.

Marcus Stoinis smashed 34 off just 11 balls against SRH and looks dangerous when promoted up the order. If Punjab return him to No. 4, his price with top sports bookmakers is serious value considering his recent strike-rate and match-winning ability.

With Sunil Narine grabbing headlines, Varun Chakravarthy has quietly impressed. He took 3/22 against SRH earlier in the season and will relish the chance to exploit Punjab’s middle order on a flat but skiddy deck. The +260 with BetOnline is a great price to get involved at.

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