Published on: Apr 6, 2026 12:14 pm IST | Updated on: Apr 6, 2026 12:17 pm IST
Still seeking their first win of the Tata IPL 2026, the 3-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders will be crossing paths with last year’s finalists, the Punjab Kings, in match 12 of the tournament. Both teams have had contrasting fortunes so far; KKR have lost both games, whereas PBKS are undefeated, having won both. With the tournament running thick and fast, a win is what KKR is eager to get their tournament campaign up and running. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 12th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), KKR vs PBKS, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Historically, it is the Knight Riders who have had the upper hand against the Punjab Kings in the IPL. However, Punjab is no longer the team it used to be 3-4 years back. They are taming former champions at will and are heading into this encounter on the back of a win over 5-time champions Chennai Super Kings. With things not going KKR’s way for now, they will be the second favorites heading into this contest. Therefore, expect the win probability meter to favor last year’s finalists, the Punjab Kings. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 12th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), KKR vs PBKS, at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
PBKS: 62% win chance KKR: 38% win chance
Although we haven't seen a big knock from Finn Allen as of now, his ability to strike the ball at a brilliant rate makes him a top draw in this fixture. He scored a 7-ball 28 in the game against SRH and one can expect him to have an impact in this game.
The young sensation has been prolific so far this season for KKR with two fifties in as many games. He would be looking to continue with his scintillating touch.
The PBKS skipper is fresh off a match-winning fifty in the game against CSK in the last encounter. Batting at no 4, he is playing a crucial role for his side and must be looking forward to continuing with the same tactics.
A short but impactful knock in the game against CSK earned PBKS opener Priyansh Arya the man of the match award. He will be up to provide a brisk start to his side.
Check out our prediction for the KKR vs SRH Indian Premier League 2026, Match 6.
Kolkata Knight Riders enter match 12 of the Tata IPL 2026 still searching for their first win, and the challenge only gets tougher as they face last year’s finalists, Punjab Kings, who remain unbeaten after two games. The contrast in fortunes is stark—KKR have struggled to find rhythm, while PBKS look confident and settled.
For KKR, team balance has been a concern. If Anukul Roy and Ramandeep Singh are not being utilized effectively with the ball, it makes little sense to persist with them. Instead, strengthening the batting depth by bringing in experienced campaigners like Manish Pandey or Rahul Tripathi could provide stability to the middle and lower‑middle order. With Ajinkya Rahane leading the side and Cameron Green offering all‑round value, the batting unit needs more reliability to support Rinku Singh’s finishing prowess.
On the bowling front, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, and Blessing Muzarabani must step up against Punjab’s explosive top order. Sunil Narine’s role as a spinner will be crucial, especially in the middle overs. Playing at Eden Gardens, KKR must devise a sharper plan to counter PBKS’s momentum and finally get their campaign underway.
Punjab Kings have made a strong start to Tata IPL 2026, winning both their opening games while chasing—first at home in Mullanpur against Gujarat Titans by three wickets, and then away in Chennai against the five‑time champions CSK by five wickets. Their next challenge comes at Eden Gardens against a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders outfit, and Punjab will be eager to deliver another complete performance.
Adapting to different surfaces has been their strength so far, and that adaptability will be tested again in Kolkata. Historically, KKR have dominated this rivalry, winning 21 of the 35 encounters, but recent trends favor Punjab, who have claimed three victories in the last four meetings. With Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya setting the tone at the top, Shreyas Iyer anchoring the middle order, and Marcus Stoinis providing all‑round balance, the Kings look well‑equipped to handle varying conditions.
Their bowling attack, featuring Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, and spearhead Arshdeep Singh, has the depth to exploit Eden’s spin‑friendly surface. With Yuzvendra Chahal as the impact substitute, Punjab have the resources to adapt and continue their winning run.
Matches Played: 35 SRH won: 13 KKR won: 21 No Result: 1
A total of 35 matches have been played between the Knight Riders and Punjab Kings in IPL history. The Knight Riders have led this battle with ease, having won 21 contests, while the Kings have won 13. However, in recent times, the Kings have led this battle with three wins from the last four meetings.
How will the two teams, i.e., the Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings, fare in the 12th match of IPL 2026? Let’s take a look.
Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh IMPACT SUB: Yuzvendra Chahal
Ajinkya Rahane (C), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh/Rahul Tripathi, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Blessing Muzarabani IMPACT: Finn Allen
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 12th match of the Indian Premier League 2026 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
With dew likely to play a role and chasing often proving successful in Kolkata, the toss winner is expected to bowl first. Spinners may find grip early, but batting becomes easier under lights. Both captains will likely prefer chasing in this balanced, high‑scoring venue.
The online live streaming of the 12th IPL 2026 match between the Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders will take place live on the JioHotstar App. TV viewers can watch the match live on the Star Sports 1, 2, and 3 HD and non-HD channels.
The way Punjab Kings have played the last two games, expect them to take down the Knight Riders with relative ease. Yes, the 3-time champions are playing in familiar conditions, but they have been tamed at home in the previous contest by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Therefore, one can expect Punjab to continue their dominance this season with another emphatic win over the struggling Knight Riders. So, as per our prediction, Punjab Kings are expected to win IPL 2026 Match 12, KKR vs PBKS.
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