IPL 6: Match 72 - SRH vs KKR - Sunrisers Hyderabad Preview

Teams – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkota Knight Riders

Venue - Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad

Timing – 8 pm IST

The final match of the league stage. The top three are already decided and there is a fight for that fourth play-off spot. RCB managed to stay in the hunt with a win over CSK last night. SRH have to win against an under-performing KKR side – the equation is simple and the fight, interesting.

SRH will be confident of their chances going into this match after their hard-fought win over RR in the previous game on the same ground. They managed to claw back into the contest after a disastrous start – just the kind they will be looking to avoid in today’s big encounter. The openers role, thus, will be as crucial as ever. Shikhar Dhawan has made a name for himself by his fearless batting, but today he will be looking to add a pinch of caution to it as well.

Craig White is a crucial link in the batting order. A healthy contribution from the captain can provide a good platform for the likes of Sammy and Perera to go all guns blazing towards the end of the innings.

The SRH bowling attack, which has been the backbone of their success thus far, will back themselves on a track they’ve adapted well to and against an opposition which hasn’t really been in the news for their positive batting. This bowling attack is a dream for any T20 captain. You give them any score, and they’ll fight like Pit Bull Terriers to defend it.

SRH have done surprisingly well to have come this far on the back of some steely grit, primarily from their bowlers. Having worked so hard, they will be disappointed if they don’t make it to the play-offs. They need one final push from their bowlers and batsmen alike.

Players to watch out for

Shikhar Dhawan – SRH will hope that he stays on the crease for a good period of time. If he does, they’ll be confident of putting up a big total on the board.

Dale Steyn – He will have his task cut out against good quality batsmen at the top of the KKR order.

Amit Mishra – He is economical and takes wickets. You really don’t expect more from any bowler, let alone a spinner in this format.

X Factor

Darren Sammy – He has the ability to build an innings like he did against RR in Jaipur and use the long handle too. The good thing is that he can do both in the same match.

Prediction

SRH start as favourites to win the match. They have, arguably, the best bowling attack in the competition and know the conditions very well. Their batting, though not very strong, is still capable of winning matches or ably supporting the bowling to win.