Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals will battle for survival in Match 70 of IPL 2026 at Eden Gardens on Sunday, May 24, with both teams still holding slim hopes of reaching the playoffs. KKR remain dependent on Rajasthan Royals losing earlier in the day, while DC must win and hope other results fall in their favor.
Match details
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Date: Sunday, May 24, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM IST, 7:00 PM PST, 2:30 PM GMT
Team Overviews
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders head into their final league-stage fixture knowing that their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. The defending situation is straightforward for Ajinkya Rahane’s side. If Rajasthan Royals defeat Mumbai Indians in Match 69, KKR will be eliminated before taking the field. However, if RR lose, Kolkata must then beat Delhi Capitals convincingly to reach 15 points and improve their net run rate.
KKR have shown signs of resurgence during the latter part of the season. Finn Allen’s aggressive batting at the top has transformed their powerplay scoring, while Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy continue to provide control with the ball.
The middle order, led by Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell, has also delivered timely contributions under pressure. Kolkata will now rely on their experienced core to produce one final push toward qualification.
Probable Playing XI: Kolkata Knight Riders
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Tejasvi Dahiya (wk), Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakaravarthy, Saurabh Dubey
Impact Player: Finn Allen
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals remain mathematically alive in the playoff race, although qualification appears difficult. A victory against KKR would take DC to 14 points, but they would still require favorable results elsewhere.
KL Rahul and Axar Patel will carry major responsibility in this must-win encounter. Rahul’s experience at the top and Axar’s all-round abilities remain central to DC’s hopes. Tristan Stubbs and David Miller add power in the middle order, while Mitchell Starc leads the pace attack with strong recent form.
Delhi’s campaign has fluctuated between impressive performances and disappointing collapses. They now need one complete performance to keep their season alive.
Probable Playing XI: Delhi Capitals
KL Rahul (wk), Abishek Porel, Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (c), Madhav Tiwari, Tripurana Vijay, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc, Mukesh Kumar
Impact Player: Ashutosh Sharma
Key Players
Finn Allen
Finn Allen has emerged as a major attacking force for KKR during the second half of IPL 2026. The New Zealand batter’s fearless approach inside the powerplay has allowed Kolkata to dominate bowling attacks early in innings. On a batting-friendly Eden Gardens surface, Allen could once again prove decisive.
Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc has been Delhi Capitals’ standout bowler this season. The left-arm fast bowler has taken six wickets in his last two matches and brings valuable knowledge of Eden Gardens conditions after previously representing KKR.
Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine’s all-round value remains crucial for Kolkata. His ability to control scoring in the middle overs and contribute quick runs at the top gives KKR flexibility in key moments.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul’s calm presence at the crease will be vital for DC in a pressure-filled encounter. His ability to anchor innings while accelerating later could shape Delhi’s chase or first-innings total.
Head-to-Head Record
Kolkata Knight Riders have enjoyed a stronger record against Delhi Capitals over the years. Out of 36 encounters, KKR have won 20 matches, while DC have secured 15 victories. One match ended without a result.
The two sides last met on May 8, 2026, when KKR emerged victorious.
Pitch Report
Eden Gardens has traditionally favored chasing teams because of its fast outfield and excellent batting conditions. The surface allows batters to play through the line confidently, especially during the powerplay overs.
However, IPL 2026 has also seen spinners receive assistance at the venue. The pitch has occasionally gripped during the middle overs, bringing quality spin bowlers into the contest. This factor could make Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel extremely influential.
Captains winning the toss may prefer to bowl first due to chasing advantages and possible dew later in the evening.
Probable Match Scenarios
If KKR bat first, Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane will likely attack aggressively to maximize the powerplay. Rinku Singh and Rovman Powell could then target the death overs against Delhi’s pace attack.
If DC chase, KL Rahul may adopt an anchoring role while Tristan Stubbs and David Miller provide acceleration through the middle and final overs.
Bowling matchups will remain crucial throughout the contest. KKR will depend heavily on Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy to slow Delhi’s scoring rate, while DC will expect Mitchell Starc to strike early with the new ball.
Live Streaming and Broadcast
India: Live broadcast on JioStar Network channels. Live streaming available on JioHotstar app and website.
Pakistan: Live streaming expected on Tapmad and Tamasha apps, with television coverage on official IPL broadcasting partner channels.
United Kingdom: Live broadcast on Sky Sports Cricket and streaming on Sky Go and NOW.
Australia: Live coverage on Fox Cricket and live streaming on Kayo Sports.
Global Viewers: IPL 2026 matches remain available through official regional broadcasters and digital streaming services worldwide.
Match Prediction
Both teams enter the contest with playoff hopes still alive, which should create a high-pressure atmosphere at Eden Gardens. Kolkata Knight Riders appear to carry slightly better momentum and possess stronger spin options suited to home conditions.
Finn Allen’s aggressive starts and the experience of Sunil Narine could give KKR an edge, particularly if the pitch slows down during the second innings. Delhi Capitals, however, have enough match-winners through KL Rahul, Tristan Stubbs, and Mitchell Starc to challenge strongly.
The toss could play a significant role because chasing teams have historically enjoyed success at Eden Gardens. If KKR’s spinners control the middle overs effectively, they should gain the upper hand.
Delhi Capitals remain dangerous in knockout-style situations, but Kolkata Knight Riders look marginally stronger due to home advantage, recent form, and a more balanced bowling attack. KKR enter the match as slight favorites.
