IPL 2016, DD vs SRH Match 52 Preview: Can the Sunrisers end the hopes of the Daredevils?

The Delhi Daredevils have picked the worst time to falter as a team and are now in danger of not making it to the playoffs.The Daredevils lost their previous match to the Rising Pune Supergiants in a rain-interrupted game. The Daredevils were sailing smoothly into the playoffs, but their recent form has let them down allowing their rivals a chance to grab a spot in the top 4, that sums up the IPL season so far.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad won their previous game against the Kings XI Punjab by 7 wickets and are now sitting in a comfortable position with 16 points in the bag. The Sunrisers have 2 games still in hand and they will want to complete formalities and seal a spot to enter the playoffs. Skipper David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan have been giving fantastic starts to the Sunrisers, which has helped them tremendously in the batting department.

The Match 52 of VIVO IPL 2016 will feature the Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on the Delhi Daredevils at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.

Match Date and Time: 20 May 2016, 8 pm (IST)Match Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur.

Weather:

Temperature: Max 36°C, Min 31°C

Humidity: Max 45%

Wind: 11 km per hour

Pitch Report: Par-score 160. Will remain true to the batsmen with a bit of help for the spinners.

In-Depth Analysis:

The Sunrisers Hyderabad have enjoyed success mainly due to Warner’s incredible form in this season. Warner has top scored for the Sunrisers with 567 runs in 12 innings, including 6 fifties in this season. The Sunrisers could use their remaining 2 games for letting their middle order batsmen spend some time at the crease and get them used to the playing conditions for the playoffs.

Yuvraj Singh finished the previous game for the Sunrisers Hyderabad, showing signs of good form. Yuvraj scored an unbeaten 42 from just 24 deliveries including 3 fours and 3 massive sixes. With his expertise in the bowling department, Yuvraj’s return to the team has been a big plus for the Sunrisers.

The bowling department of the Sunrisers took a huge blow with Ashish Nehra limping off from the field. He will be in doubt for the game against the Daredevils and the Sunrisers will look to utilise their resources in this situation. Abhimanyu Mithun will be a good replacement for the veteran bowler and he can inject some pace into the bowling department as well.

The Delhi Daredevils face a must-win situation against the Sunrisers. South African wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock will be in charge of providing quick runs and get the Daredevils off to a good start. The Daredevils have had a poor record in the powerplays in this season, losing more than 2 wickets on many occasions. The Daredevils could promote Chris Morris and make the most of the situation.

It is high time that the Daredevils send in JP Duminy at the number 4 position as he has not been effective batting lower down the order. Duminy can do some serious damage once he gets into the groove, which is exactly what the Daredevils require at this stage. England International Sam Billings might make his return to Daredevils line-up as he is capable of stabilizing the middle order.

The Daredevils have chosen Nathan Coulter-Nile instead of Carlos Brathwaite and that has been puzzling for quite a few people. Brathwaite, in addition to his bowling, is capable of winning matches single-handedly with the bat and his inclusion in the side is a must.

It’s a do-or-die situation for the Daredevils and they will hope that they can beat the in-form Sunrisers and have a chance of entering the playoffs of this season.