IPL 2018: Match 39, SRH vs RCB, Preview- Visitors cling on to mathematical chances for qualification

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore have been in contrasting form.

Published - 06 May 2018, 19:00 IST | Updated - 06 May 2018, 19:00 IST

2 Min Read

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) floundered in their erstwhile game against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and have virtually been eliminated. However, with cut-throat competition to bag the number four position, RCB still have a mathematical chance to edge the other teams on the basis of net run rate. However, in order to keep themselves alive, they need to win their remaining games.

Moreover, they also have to hope for the other results to favour them. RCB will next be facing the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, who have been in red-hot form this season. Both teams have had contrasting campaigns and the home team will be the firm favourites against Virat Kohli’s men who have stuttered throughout.

The Sunrisers are presently the top-ranked team and would be keen to continue their supremacy. RCB will have to play out of their skins in order for them to humble the might of Kane Williamson’s boys who are touted to possess a lethal bowling attack. Meanwhile, their batting can’t be undermined either, especially after their stupendous performance against the Delhi Daredevils (DD).

Team Combination

Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Sunrisers’ batting has been in decent enough form to remain unchanged. Alex Hales and Shikhar Dhawan are the openers followed by the enigmatic Williamson. Manish Pandey’s form has been a matter of concern as he hasn’t quite been able to justify his potential in the event. Yusuf Pathan played a blistering knock the other night, which will keep him in a positive frame of mind.

The bowlers have been stupendous, to say the least. Rashid Khan remains their gun bowler. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return has also strengthened their bowling to a large extent. Siddarth Kaul has been successful as well in picking up quick wickets. Moreover, Shakib Al Hasan’s left-arm orthodox will be important from SRH’s point of view.

Predicted XI

Alex Hales, Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson (capt), Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Shakib Al Hasan, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB are likely to go unchanged with their lineup. Parthiv Patel and Brendon McCullum will be their openers. They will be followed by the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers who need to deliver in order for the visitors to have any chance of rolling over SRH in their own den. Colin de Grandhomme and Mandeep Singh will also have to play their part.

The bowlers have done well against CSK at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Umesh Yadav has been consistent for them and needs to make early inroads. Murugan Ashwin has played only a couple of games but has been one of their most impressive bowlers. Yuzvendra Chahal has been a tad off colour this season, but bearing in mind his abilities, SRH can’t afford to undermine him.

Predicted XI

Parthiv Patel (wk), Brendon McCullum, Virat Kohli (capt), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Colin de Grandhomme, Murugan Ashwin, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammad Siraj

Players to watch out for

Manish Pandey- Sunrisers Hyderabad

Manish Pandey hasn’t been in the greatest of nicks in the tournament and has struggled to find any sort of rhythm into his batting. He promised with a couple of impressive boundaries early on his knock against DD, but couldn’t carry on and guide his team until the end. Sunrisers will hope for the star batsman to hit his straps as the tournament nears the playoff stage.

AB de Villiers- Royal Challengers Bangalore

AB made a comeback in the preceding game and couldn’t make any impact. Harbhajan Singh nipped him out early, which dented RCB’s chances against the might of MS Dhoni’s men. Against an ominous looking SRH bowling lineup, the middle-order batsman has to bring forth his A-game. Meanwhile, the Sunrisers will be eyeing his wicket at the earliest.