IPL 2017: SRH v KXIP, Game 19 – Match Result Predictions

The action moves to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad where Sunrisers Hyderabad will play hosts to Kings XI Punjab in the 19th match of the season. Both teams have had a similar win-loss pattern so far as they won first two games while playing at home and then lost two away games. Both didn’t play badly in their losses but the opponents got the better of them playing in their own backyards. They will be itching to get back to winning ways as the tournament now starts to enter the middle stages.

The Hyderabad pitch has hosted two games so far and proved to be batsmen friendly one. In the first game, SRH batted first and scored a massive 207 and then stopped the RCB line-up to 172. In the next game though, Gujarat Lions were halted at just 135 which the SRH chased down in just the 16th over by losing just one wicket. Dew will play a huge factor as the game starts at 8 PM and hence batting second would be the ideal choice after winning the toss.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: SRH wins the toss

Toss prediction: SRH would choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 150-160

Second innings prediction: SRH would win the match by 4 wickets with 2 overs in hand

Scenario 2: KXIP wins the toss

Toss prediction: KXIP would choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 180-190

Second innings prediction: SRH would win the match by 15-25 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 8, SRH Won – 6, KXIP Won – 2

Matches in Hyderabad: Total Matches – 4, SRH Won – 3, KXIP Won – 1

SRH have thoroughly dominated KXIP over the years and have an excellent record against them. The last time they lost to KXIP was way back in 2014 and they remained unbeaten in the two seasons that followed. They would once again be in the driver’s seat on their home ground where they win more often than not, more so against KXIP. Unless something dramatic happens, they would only add to their winning tally.

Playing Combinations:

Sunrisers Hyderabad

The skipper David Warner has been in a good form so far yet he hasn’t played the defining innings like he did so many times last year. He has scored a total of 165 runs in 4 innings and is the leading run-getter for his side but for a player of his stature, the team is always left wanting for more from him. Shikhar Dhawan has struck some form but he is also due for a big one. Moises Henriques after two fifties in the first two games suffered a failure in the last game. Yuvraj Singh has looked in an ominous touch and has hit some lusty blows and would be the key batsman in the middle order. Ben Cutting and Naman Ojha form the lower middle order but they are a top-heavy side and heavily dependent on the top 4.

Their bowling line-up has done a tremendous job in the league so far. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has bowled beautifully with the new and old ball. He is also the current Purple Cap holder with 10 wickets. The veteran Ashish Nehra has given him good company. The Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has been a revelation in the tournament who has picked up 7 wickets so far and was the owner of the purple cap for a while. Mustafizur Rahman didn’t have a great outing in the only game he played and was taken for 34 runs in 2.4 overs. Moises Henriques had replaced him in the last game and they will have to choose from these two as the Australian batsman too had suffered a failure.

Overall, the SRH possess a strong batting line-up backed up by a great bunch of bowlers.

Predicted XI: David Warner(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Moises Henriques, Yuvraj Singh, Deepak Hooda, Ben Cutting, Naman Ojha(wk), Bipul Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan and Ashish Nehra

Kings XI Punjab

Hashim Amla and Manan Vohra had provided good starts in the first three games but both suffered failures in the last game. Amla has scored runs in the league but has found it difficult to break free after the fielding restrictions are lifted. Wriddhiman Saha at number 3 hasn’t had a big score. Eoin Morgan played his first game of the season against Delhi Daredevils and is expected to retain his place. Their two big batsmen Glenn Maxwell and David Miller have to come good now to resurrect their team’s fortunes after two consecutive losses.

The problem lies in the bowling department. The pacers Sandeep Sharma, Mohit Sharma and Varun Aaron were taken for plenty by the DD batsmen. In the absence of a foreign pacer, these Indian quickies have to step up big time. Axar Patel has been superb with the ball as well as bat. He has been the biggest positive for them this year and would be expected to take center stage once more. Where they lag behind is the lack of another quality spinner in the side. KC Cariappa might hold on to his place but as compared to other sides, KXIP are short of class spin bowling.

Predicted XI: Hashim Amla, Manan Vohra, Eoin Morgan, Glenn Maxwell(c), David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha(wk), Axar Patel, Mohit Sharma, Ishant Sharma, Sandeep Sharma, KC Cariappa

The history suggests that SRH have got the number of KXIP over the years. On paper, their batting, as well as bowling line-ups, are better than those of KXIP. Once more, they will be in the advantage and the clear favorites to come out victorious.

SRH have a better chance to win and clinch their third victory of the season.

You can follow the live scores of the match here

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.