Welcome to the coverage of the 18th match of the Indian Premier League between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab in Kolkata on Saturday.

Table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders and a transformed Kings XI Punjab cross swords in an Indian Premier League contest in which big-hitting Jamaicans Andre Russell and Chris Gayle will be up against each other in Kolkata on Saturday.

Gayle was at his best on Thursday night, registering this season's first century -- a 63-ball 104 not out -- at the expense of Sunrisers Hyderabad, which has one of the best bowling combinations.

The Jamaican smashed 11 sixes, seven of them coming against the world's top-ranked T20 International bowler Rashid Khan, and gave a fitting response to his critics after the humiliation he faced at the IPL auctions where he went unsold.

The 38-year-old enforcer, who represented Royal Challengers Bangalore and KKR, twice went unsold after 10 glorious years before the Virender Sehwag-mentored side gave him a lifeline.

Gayle still had to sit out the first two matches, but when his moment came he played two match-winning knocks, including a 63 against Chennai Super Kings.

Russell, another explosive Jamaican, singled-handedly decimated Delhi Daredevils in his 12-ball 41 in their last match at the Eden.

The biggest gain for the home side is that of Mumbai Indians recruit Rana, who got back-to-back Man of the Match awards in their wins over Delhi Daredevils and Rajasthan Royals.

The left-hander has showed fine temperament, forming the backbone of their batting, which wore an unsettled look at the start.