A Crunch Encounter to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
PREVIEW:
The race for the playoffs is heating up in the IPL and Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad find themselves in a tricky position. As the two bottom-placed teams clash in Hyderabad, Harsha Bhogle previews the key matchups and tactics that could determine the outcome of this crunch encounter.
KKR have lost steam after a bright start but their spin trio of Narine, Chakaravarthy and Suyash Sharma have accounted for 33 wickets so far, the most by any team. They will back themselves to stifle the SRH batsmen, especially if there is an early collapse. The onus will be on Rahul Tripathi, Mayank Agarwal and Aiden Markram to handle the spin barrage in the middle overs. Markram in particular averages 46.50 against leg spin in IPL and his role will be crucial.
For KKR, the opening combination is still unsettled but Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 81 in the last game should keep him in the mix. However, if Jason Roy is fit, KKR will have to choose between Roy and Gurbaz to partner Venkatesh Iyer. The middle order comprising Nitish Rana, Andre Russell and Rinku Singh packs power and Russell’s record against Tripathi and Agarwal makes him a potent weapon with the new ball.
PREDICTION:
Both teams desperately need a win to stay in the hunt for the playoffs but based on current form and head-to-head, Sunrisers start as favorites in my book. The conditions in Hyderabad and their superior batting depth gives them the edge. However, in a format as fickle as T20s, one special performance can tilt the scales. An exciting contest is on the cards and as the cliche goes, cricket will be the real winner tonight!
My prediction: Sunrisers Hyderabad to win a thriller.
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