SRH vs KKR: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
The IPL 2019 is entering its crucial phase with every team trying to seal a spot in the play-offs. The match number 38 will witness a clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday. KKR have lost the momentum and would look to get back to winning ways. Here we present the match preview.
KKR witness a heartbreak, SRH overcome CSK hurdle
Talking about the recent performance, KKR endured a heartbreak, while SRH are on a high. SRH are coming off an impressive and much-needed win over defending champions Chennai Super Kings, as they were without the services of their regular skipper MS Dhoni. KKR, on the other hand, have lost four in a row, as Royal Challengers Bangalore tamed them recently.
Andre Russell, David Warner among men to watch out for
Among the players who are likely to make an impact, KKR's all-rounder Andre Russell, along with SRH's explosive opener David Warner, is a no-brainer here. Among others, SRH's wicket-keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow has been in sublime form, making him one of the top picks. Meanwhile, KKR's Nitish was a shining star in the last game, and is likely to continue in the same vein.
KKR enjoy advantage over SRH
When it comes to head-to-head ties between the two, KKR have an upper hand. In 16 IPL matches, KKR have won 10, while SRH have pocketed only six. As for the matches played in Hyderabad, KKR have won three, while SRH have won the remaining two. The last match between the two saw KKR defeat them by six wickets in Kolkata.
A sporty wicket awaits in Hyderabad
Initially the Hyderabad track was high-scoring, but it has slowed down as the tournament progressed. A total of 150-160 is being scored on this track, which has been competitive enough. Of the five matches so far, SRH have won three. Further, the team batting second has won four of the five matches. Thus, the team winning the toss is likely to field first.
Here's the predicted Playing XI
SRH: David Warner, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson (captain), Vijay Shankar, Yusuf Pathan, Deepak Hooda, Rashid Khan, Shahbaz Nadeem, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddarth Kaul, Khaleel Ahmed. KKR: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Nitish, Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik (captain), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Harry Gurney. Dream XI: Bairstow, Uthappa, Nitish, Uthappa, Hooda, Narine, Russell, Shankar, Krishna, Rashid, Khaleel.
When, where and how to watch
Match: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Time: 4 PM (IST). Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.