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The Indian T20 League has entered the business end of season with only a few more league games remaining. The race for play-offs is getting quite exciting and things are going to get more tricky with Kolkata and Punjab locking horns with each other in match no. 45 in Dubai on Friday. Both the teams will be desperate for those two crucial points and there won't be much to separate them. However, let us try to determine who could have a slight edge coming into the contest by considering the following factors:
1. Head-to-head record
In the 28 meetings between the two sides, Kolkata have emerged victorious on 19 occasions. They have dominated this fixture over the years, having also registered a comfortable 5-wicket victory during their face-off earlier this season.
2. UAE factor
Kolkata have looked an absolutely different side altogether in the UAE leg of the ongoing season. Eoin Morgan's side have found the right balance and have registered three huge wins. On the other hand, Punjab have had a mixed outing in UAE and would be slightly low on confidence after their loss against Mumbai.
3. Form of players
Kolkata have most of their players in scintillating form with Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson and Venkatesh Iyer producing some magical performances. Meanwhile, Punjab is struggling with inconsistency from their top players like Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran. Although they can win the game for their side on any given day, the form of players is favourable for the Men in Purple.
Considering the factors mentioned above, the team of the day is Kolkata.