IPL 2024: Qualifier 1, KKR vs SRH - Top 3 battles to watch out for

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the top two teams of the IPL 2024, will meet in the first qualifier in Ahmedabad on May 21. The two teams will meet for the second time this season with a view to reach the finals in Chennai to be played on May 26. 

Shreyas Iyer and Pat Cummins are one step away from leading their team to the biggest game of the season. Notably, Sunrisers Hyderabad moved to second place in the table on the back of their huge win over Punjab Kings, displacing Rajasthan Royals.

Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, have enjoyed a well-needed break with both their matches last week getting rained-out. The table-toppers will be looking forward to the clash to book a berth in the final with an aim to add a third title.

Here are the top three player battles to watch out for ahead of KKR vs SRH in IPL 2024, Qualifier 1:

3. Travis Head vs Mitchell Starc

Australian behemoths Travis Head and Mitchell Starc will be the biggest player battle onMay 21 in Ahmedabad. SRH opener Head’s form this year has been nothing short of breath-taking. If he stays for a while in the middle, the opposition team usually have no chance to make a comeback into the game. 

Starc will be the biggest weapon for Shreyas Iyer to employ against Head. The left-arm pacer would have seen what Arshdeep Singh did on Sunday, when he dismissed the destructive batter for a golden duck, and will want to employ the same tactics when he bowls to his free-scoring Australian teammate. 

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2. Sunil Narine vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Even with the loss of Phil Salt, Kolkata Knight Riders will be banking on the experience of Sunil Narine with the bat. The 35-year-old has scored 461 runs this year and been instrumental in getting his team to good starts. One more big knock from Narine can help KKR qualify for the final, which will be played on his 36th birthday.

The 34-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar has found his magical swing and been one of the most dangerous bowlers with the new ball. The player battle between Bhuvneshwar and Narine will be one to watch out for because both the players are important in the powerplay overs for their teams to lay down the marker. 

Check Here: KKR vs SRH Dream11 Prediction, Qualifier 1

1. Nitish Kumar Reddy vs Varun Chakravarthy 

One of the enduring aspects of Pat Cummins' captaincy has been his willingness to trust the youngsters. Nitish Reddy has benefitted greatly with this approach and has been a pivotal member of the Sunrisers Hyderabad side.

Check Here: IPL Purple Cap 2024

Varun Chakravarthy will be relishing the battle with Reddy as the 20-year-old likes to dominate the spinners. The two players will be key in the middle-overs and would hope to outdo each other in such a huge game.