📍 Match Preview: Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL 2025, Match 31
The 31st match of IPL 2025 will see Punjab Kings (PBKS) locking horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). This high-voltage clash promises a lot of fireworks as both teams battle it out for crucial points in the tournament. The game will be played at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur — a venue known for its tricky conditions.
🏟️ Pitch Report: Mullanpur Stadium – What to Expect?
✅ Surface Type:
The Mullanpur pitch has traditionally offered a balanced surface. This season, however, it’s behaving slightly slower with some help for spinners in the second innings.
- First Innings Average Score: 165-175
- Type: Dry surface with a slight green tinge
- Assists: Batters early on, spinners and slower balls in middle overs
✅ Key Pitch Trends:
- Expect good bounce in the powerplay
- Slower balls and cutters are effective in death overs
- Dew factor can come into play in the second innings
✅ Best Option:
Teams winning the toss may opt to chase due to potential dew and slightly better batting conditions later.
🌤️ Weather Report Today – PBKS vs KKR
- Location: Mullanpur, Punjab
- Temperature: 30-32°C in the evening
- Humidity: 45-55%
- Dew Factor: Likely in the second half
- Rain Chances: None
Perfect weather for cricket lovers! Expect a full game without interruptions.
🔍 Match Prediction: Who Holds the Edge?
Punjab Kings
- Strength: Strong top order, power-hitters
- Weakness: Inconsistent middle order
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Strength: Versatile bowling unit, in-form openers
- Weakness: Vulnerable lower middle order under pressure
Toss could play a vital role, but KKR may have a slight edge with their bowling attack suited to this surface.
🎯 Players to Watch:
- PBKS: Shreyas Iyer, Priyansh Arya, Arshdeep Singh
- KKR: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ajinkya Rahane (c)
📈 Fantasy Tip:
Pick more bowlers from the second innings. Spinners and death-over specialists could be key.
🔖 Final Verdict:
A slow-ish pitch, decent weather, and top teams clashing — everything’s set for a nail-biting contest in IPL 2025 Match 31!