IPL 2018: Match 25, SRH vs KXIP, Preview- Sunrisers determined to avenge the Mohali defeat

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), in their previous game against the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, were beaten black and blue. Chris Gayle’s belligerent century panned out to be a nightmare for Kane Williamson’s men. This time around, the battle shifts to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, the home venue of the Orange Army.

Both the sides have been in striking form and have the resources to turn over each other. The teams would be coming off a couple of stupendous victories. While Punjab managed to brush aside the Delhi Daredevils (DD) in their erstwhile game, the Sunrisers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against the Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The strip in Hyderabad is likely to be a sporting one with assistance for both batsmen and bowlers. They are sitting on the top-half of the league table and a victory here would take KXIP and SRH closer to their qualification for the playoff. Sunrisers are touted as the best-bowling unit while the Kings’ batsmen are in bludgeoning form and hence, the contest won’t be short of any excitement.

Player Combination

Sunrisers Hyderabad

SRH will want to start the innings with two of their best batsmen Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Kane Williamson, Wriddhiman Saha who has struggled with the bat can walk in at number three in that scenario. Manish Pandey hasn’t been in the best of touch and is expected to hit his straps as the event moves into the business end. Shakib, Yusuf and Mohammad Nabi’s contribution will also be vital.

In the bowling department, Bhuvneshwar Kumar might return. If he doesn’t then Sandeep Sharma is likely to retain his position. Basil Thampi bowled with pace in the death overs and it won’t be surprising if the Sunrisers entrust him with the role again. Rashid Khan would want to make amends as well after his lacklustre performance against Punjab last time around. Nabi’s role with the ball will also be vital.

Predicted XI

Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson (capt), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Sidharth Kaul, Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Sandeep Sharma, Basil Thampi

Kings XI Punjab  

Chris Gayle, after being rested against Delhi, is likely to return for this game, especially after his match-winning knock against the same opponent in Mohali. Aaron Finch, who has strained in the series, might be dropped. Karun Nair has been consistent, however, Yuvraj Singh has looked out of sorts. David Miller played a breezy knock against Delhi and deserves to be in the playing eleven.

The bowling department hasn’t misfired either. Andrew Tye and Barinder Sran have delivered the goods thud far and will be expected to churn out similar performances against the belligerence of the Punjab batsmen. Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Ravichandran Ashwin have been immaculate with their line and lengths as well. To add to their delight, Ankit Rajpoot was the Man of the Match in his first match for the team.

Predicted XI

KL Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Yuvraj Singh, David Miller, Ravichandran Ashwin (capt), Andrew Tye, Barinder Sran, Ankit Rajpoot, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Players to watch out for

Shikhar Dhawan- Sunrisers Hyderabad

Dhawan started the tournament with a couple of decent knocks. However, the elbow injury made sure that he misses out on the next game. In his comeback game against the Mumbai Indians, he was struck on the leg after which he was cleaned up by Mitchell McClenaghan. The left-hander needs to hit his groove and find his rhythm at the earliest.

Yuvraj Singh- Kings XI Punjab

Yuvraj Singh has been in awful form. He has hit a few boundaries but has hardly looked a pale shadow of his stupendous self. He has loads of experience on his shoulders and Punjab would be hoping for him to strike form against the Sunrisers. The Kings already boast of a power-packed lineup and Yuvraj coming back to form will only strengthen their lineup.

Head to Head

Played- 11, Sunrisers Hyderabad – 8, Kings XI Punjab– 3, NR/Tie-  0

Stat Attack

Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 21 wickets against Kings XI Punjab in the 12 IPL games. He averages 15 and took wickets at an S/R of 12.7 against KXIP.

Mohit Sharma took 14 wickets in the IPL against Sunrisers Hyderabad which are the most for any player.

Broadcast details

TV– Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Jalsha (Bengali), Star Maa Movies (Telegu), Star Sports Tamil

Online– Hotstar & YuppTv

Match Timings: 20:00 IST, 14:30 GMT

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