Finn Allen
185 runs, SR 134, 12 sixes in the last 10. Rated +6.3 runs a game with the bat.
Rated 6.3 runs better than an average opener. His last 10 T20 matches brought 185 runs at a strike rate of 134.1, with 12 sixes.
The sides
| Measure | Knight Riders | Vipers |
|---|---|---|
| XI caps | 2,301T20s between the XI | 2,149T20s between the XI |
| Top-seven average | 24.8T20 batting | 29.3T20 batting |
When Knight Riders bat
+0.10 an overPowerplayOvers 1–6−0.01MiddleOvers 7–15+0.22DeathOvers 16–20+0.04
When Vipers bat
−0.45 an overPowerplayOvers 1–6−0.42MiddleOvers 7–15−0.54DeathOvers 16–20−0.33
Knight Riders bat first
First innings166
Vipers chase in17.5 overs
61%Vipers win
39%Knight Riders win
Vipers bat first
First innings156
Knight Riders chase in17.2 overs
55%Knight Riders win
45%Vipers win
Too close to call, but Knight Riders stronger on paper by 14 runs
This is too close to call, with Desert Vipers at 53% and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at 47%. The Knight Riders are the stronger side on paper, about 14 runs clear, built on both batting and bowling: their XI is worth 34.5 runs above average against the Vipers' 20.4, with a 7.2-run batting edge and a 7-run bowling edge. The projected first-innings totals point the same way, 166 for the Knight Riders and 156 for the Vipers, around a par score of 163.
Sunil Narine is the most telling point. He is rated 8.4 runs better than an average bowler over four overs, the biggest bowling impact in either XI, and his last 10 T20 matches brought 12 wickets at an economy of 4.87. Usman Tariq, rated 7.7 runs better than average, gives the Knight Riders a second bowler the Vipers do not match.
What total is safe?
First inningsDefended
Under 15028%42 of 151
150–16948%44 of 92
170–18962%38 of 61
190–20990%18 of 20
210+100%5 of 5
The case for Knight Riders
- Rated 34.5 runs above average as an XI, the stronger side on paper by about 14 runs, with a 7.2-run batting edge and a 7-run bowling edge.
- Sunil Narine and Usman Tariq are rated 8.4 and 7.7 runs better than an average bowler over four overs, the two biggest bowling impacts in either XI.
- Finn Allen is rated 6.3 runs better than an average opener, and their projected first-innings total of 166 is the higher of the two.
Batting standout
Bowling standouts
Sunil Narine
12 wkts, econ 4.87 in the last 10. Rated +8.4 runs a game with the ball.
Rated 8.4 runs better than an average bowler over four overs, the largest bowling impact in either XI. His last 10 T20 matches brought 12 wickets at an economy of 4.87.
Usman Tariq
10 wkts, econ 6.05 in the last 10. Rated +7.7 runs a game with the ball.
Rated 7.7 runs better than an average bowler over four overs. His last 10 T20 matches produced 10 wickets at an economy of 6.05.
The case for Vipers
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman is rated 4.8 runs better than an average bowler over four overs, and Shadab Khan 2.9 runs better, giving them two strong bowling options.
- Shadab Khan also brings batting: 132 runs at a strike rate of 220 in his last 10 T20 matches.
- Fakhar Zaman is rated 1.3 runs better than an average opener and made 403 runs at a strike rate of 153.8 in his last 10 T20 matches.
Bowling standouts
Mujeeb Ur Rahman
13 wkts, econ 8.27 in the last 10. Rated +4.8 runs a game with the ball.
Rated 4.8 runs better than an average bowler over four overs. His last 10 T20 matches produced 13 wickets, though at an economy of 8.27.
Shadab Khan
13 wkts, econ 5.56 in the last 10. Rated +2.9 runs a game with the ball.
Rated 2.9 runs better than an average bowler over four overs and 1.4 runs better than an average batter. His last 10 T20 matches brought 13 wickets at an economy of 5.56 and 132 runs at a strike rate of 220.
Batting weakness
Vriitya Aravind
195 runs, SR 102, 3 sixes in the last 10. Rated −1.4 runs a game with the bat.
Rated 1.4 runs worse than an average batter. His last 10 T20 matches brought 195 runs at a strike rate of 101.6, and that window dates back to October 2023.