Three-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will be seen back in action when they will be facing the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 14th match of the ongoing IPL 2020. Although both teams have managed to win just one game so far, the SRH will be entering the match with a much-need impetus on their side after a thumping win over the Delhi Capitals (DC).
Owing to the brilliant bowling display from Rashid Khan and T Natarajan, SRH managed to win their first game after suffering losses against RCB and KKR. While their bowling unit has been going through a decent for, the onus will be on captain David Warner and his opening partner Jonny Bairstow to deliver the goods at the top of the order. With the likes of Manish Pandey and Kane Williamson looking great in the middle, SRH can be a team to beat for CSK.
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However, facing CSK also isn’t going to be easy for SRH as the MS Dhoni-led franchise will introspect after losses against DC and RR, and would be hoping to correct their deficiencies. However, they have to be on their toes against an in-form Rashid Khan with both sides seeking a morale-boosting win on Friday.
As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. Jonny Bairstow vs Deepak Chahar
One of the best limited-overs batsmen, Jonny Bairstow will be facing one of the finest modern-day pacers, Deepak Chahar and it promises a lot on paper. The SRH opener was the highest run-scorer for the team in the tournament opener against RCB, so he would be keen to continue the momentum. Bairstow has an excellent IPL record and on the other hand, Chahar has always been a wicket-taker for CSK and he will be under pressure to prove his worth.
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Chahar will be playing the role of a wicket-taker. He last played the IPL in 2019 for CSK, during which he picked up 22 scalps in 17 games at a strike rate of 17.59. He will be looking forward to improving the numbers this season for sure.
#2. Faf du Plessis vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
This is a battle of unconventional cricketers, if we may call it so. The veteran cricketer, Faf du Pless is the highest run-scorer in the ongoing season as he has scored for DC in the last game as he scored 173 runs in three games. He would be expected to continue his form against SRH as well.
Du Plessis’ battle with Bhuvneshwar Kumar promises to be an enthralling one. Bhuvi has the ability to bowl yorkers at will which will help him disturbing the rhythm of the youngster. Kumar is one of the best death bowlers in the business, and Faf will have to bat at his ferocious best to unsettle the veteran seamer.
#3. David Warner vs Piyush Chawla
The flamboyant Australian opener, David Warner played a crucial role in SRH’s batting outfit last year. His stunning numbers in 2019 reveal the kind of impact he had on the tournament — 692 runs at a strike rate of 143.86. He would look to carry on from where he left off last year. While he was equally dangerous against pace and spin last year, his battle against slow bowlers on UAE surfaces would be interesting to watch.
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The pitches at venues in the Middle-East make shot-making slightly more difficult, which is why someone like Piyush Chawala might trouble the big-hitting opener. Warner has the ability to keep things tight and get through his overs quickly. If he can keep the southpaw quiet, it might produce a false shot as the attacking batsman might look to break open.
