KXIP vs SRH: Live Streaming, Match Preview, Timings, Stats, Pitch Report and more for Dream11 IPL, Match 43

The adventure in the points tally is on a high in the bottom four. This encounter is as much a must-win for the Kings XI Punjab as it is for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Published - 24 Oct 2020, 11:59 IST | Updated - 24 Oct 2020, 11:59 IST

4 Min Read

A roller-coaster. There is no better way to describe the Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) run at the IPL this year. Despite tottering at the bottom of the table with only a couple of points to show after half of their tournament done, they have put up an inspiring performance and have salvaged the dented pride cometh the second-half of the league. In search of their fourth consecutive victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday at the Dubai International Stadium, the resurgent KXIP is coming after defeating the top three teams on the table.

It is still nothing else but strange to look at a team having two batsmen – KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal – accumulating runs for fun; having the likes of Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran in the middle, and a more than potent bowling edifice, struggling to find a spot in the top four. But on close introspection, one would feel that they are themselves responsible for where they are now. However, it seems that after faltering innumerable times, the team has finally learned the art of closing games without making a mess. In this game, Punjab is coming after a solid 5-wicket victory over the table-toppers Delhi Capitals.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad have not been able to perform in accordance with their reputation either. With four wins in 10 games, they are seated at the fifth spot in the table and are separated by their immediate rivals KXIP only on account of a better net run rate. Warner’s men are coming into this clash with a thumping 8-wicket victory over the hapless Rajasthan Royals in the last game.

Having won the toss, the captain broke the template of batting first and backed his team to chase the target. SRH had a bit to ponder given the absence of Kane Williamson, who missed the last game on account of his hamstring injury, although the replacer Jason Holder gave instant returns through a three-wicket haul. Courtesy of some quality stroke-making of Manish Pandey (83* from 47) and Vijay Shankar (52* from 51), during a simple 155-run chase, SRH successfully pouched two crucial points in their kitty.

The adventure in the points tally is on a high in the bottom four. This encounter is as much a must-win for the Kings XI Punjab as it is for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Pitch and conditions

Although the pacers have enjoyed bowling at this venue, the spinners will be more crucial in the game as the track has slowed down considerably in the last few days. The batsmen have not been able to get into their rhythm straight up, and the ground dimensions have assisted the bowlers. Dew could play a part in the second half of the game, nevertheless, both teams would want to bat first on winning the toss.

Playing Combinations for KXIP vs SRH

Kings XI Punjab

Both the openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have been in blistering form throughout the season so far. However, the former faced a rare failure in the last game, whereas the latter fell prey to a mix-up and an unfortunate run-out. The addition of Chris Gayle seems to have been the biggest positive for the team as they have won all the three games he has been a part of.

Continuing his good form, Nicholas Pooran played a responsible and match-winning knock in the last game and he was well-assisted by Glenn Maxwell. Though the latter has not been able to fire with the bat, the team has looked content with his bowling prowess. Mohammed Shami has been consistently bagging the wickets and he will pick himself alongside James Neesham and Arshdeep Singh.

Probable XI- KL Rahul (C & WK), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, James Neesham, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh

Also Read – KXIP vs SRH Match Prediction

Sunrisers Hyderabad

SRH immediately discontinued the strategy of Warner demoting himself, thereby making it clear that it was a forced decision. A problem for the team has been the lack of intent in the powerplay, where Warner and Bairstow are the third-slowest in terms of strike rate this year. Manish Pandey has shone with the bat, although a relatively inexperienced middle-order having the likes of youngsters Abdul Samad and Priyam Garg has often been left exposed.

Vijay Shankar getting some runs behind his back must give the management and himself a sigh of relief. It needs to be seen if Williamson would be available for the game or not, although his replacement Jason Holder proved his worth immediately in the last game. T Natarajan leaked runs aplenty but he has otherwise been a promising talent for the team.

Probable XI- David Warner (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Kane Williamson/Jason Holder, Priyam Garg, Manish Pandey, Vijay Shankar, Abdul Samad, Rashid Khan, Sandeep Sharma, T Natarajan, Basil Thampi