KKR vs SRH predictions & betting preview | IPL 2025

Match Preview: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

It’s a rematch of last season’s final as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 15 of IPL 2025 on Thursday night at Eden Gardens.

Both teams come into this clash under pressure after inconsistent starts, but it’s the powerplay battle that could prove decisive — and that’s where SRH hold the edge.

KKR have just one win from three games and find themselves anchored to the bottom of the table. After a poor start against RCB at home, they bounced back with a win in Guwahati, only to be brought crashing down again by Mumbai.

Their top order has misfired — apart from Quinton de Kock, no batter has crossed 100 runs for the season — and the bowling unit has lacked bite, with no bowler grabbing more than two wickets in a match so far.

Sunrisers Hyderabad aren’t in a much better position.

After a thunderous start to the season with a 44-run demolition of Rajasthan Royals, they’ve now slumped to back-to-back losses against Lucknow and Delhi. Still, their approach has been bold and entertaining.

Three SRH batters already have 100+ runs to their names — all striking at over 190 — and that attacking intent, especially in the first six overs, has been a standout.

So far this season, Hyderabad have blazed away at an eye-watering 11.89 runs per over during the powerplay. KKR, in comparison, have crawled at 7.83.

Kolkata have also leaked the most runs during the powerplay in each of their three matches. That’s a clear mismatch, and one punters should take note of.

Predictions: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers are flying out of the blocks in every game, averaging nearly 12 runs per over in the powerplay this season. Meanwhile, KKR have struggled with both bat and ball early on — conceding the most powerplay runs in all three matches so far. With SRH’s fearless top-order firing, they’re should be going at better than 10.5 runs per over through the first six overs.

Travis Head has been one of the most aggressive openers in the competition so far, combining power with intent. His starts have been explosive, and the Eden Gardens pitch should suit his style. Against a KKR attack that’s been underwhelming, the Australian superstar looks great value at +188 with Nags.bet to score 50.

Quinton de Kock has been the lone bright spot in KKR’s top order, and he’s already cleared 100 runs for the season. With others around him struggling, he’s likely to shoulder the run-scoring burden again. On current form, he’s the best bet to top-score for Kolkata at +300 with top sportsbooks.

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