In the 17th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 will be played between defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. After two disappointing losses to begin their campaign, the SRH seems to have a decent comeback with wins against the likes of CSK and DC. However, they would be worried over Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s fitness, especially with a star-studded MI side awaiting them.
Speaking of the Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma and his men will be coming into the game after a brilliant win over KXIP. The last time these two sides met in an IPL fixture, MI managed to register a win in a Super Over thriller, although the Sunrisers didn’t have Warner and Bairstow in that game.
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With both of them set to star for the Sunrisers at the high-scoring Sharjah Cricket Stadium, we should be in for a highly entertaining game on a double-header Sunday in IPL 2020.
As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. Rohit Sharma vs T Natarajan
One of the best limited-overs batsmen, Rohit Sharma will be facing T Natarajan and it promises a lot on paper. The MI opener was the highest run-scorer for the team in the last game against MI, so he would be keen to continue the momentum. Rohit has an excellent IPL record and on the other hand, Natarajan has always been a wicket-taker for SRH and he will be under pressure to prove his worth.
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Natarajan will be playing the role of a wicket-taker. He is the highest wicket-taker for SRH in the ongoing season as he has sclaped 5 wickets in 4 games at a strike rate of 18. He will be looking forward to improving the numbers this season for sure.
#2. Hardik Pandya vs Rashid Khan
This is a battle of unconventional cricketers, if we may call it so. The flamboyant all-rounder, Hardik Pandya was one of the highest run-scorer for MI in IPL 2019 as he had amassed 402 runs in 16 matches at a strike-rate of 191.42. Even in the last game against KXIP he played a fiery and knock and would be expected to continue his form against SRH as well.
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Hardik’s battle with Rashid Khan promises to be an enthralling one. Rashis has a knack of taking crucial wickets which will help him disturbing the rhythm of MI. He is one of the best spinners in T20 cricket and Hardik will have to bat at his ferocious best to unsettle the leggie.
#3. David Warner vs Jasprit Bumrah
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 fast bowlers on UAE surfaces would be interesting to watch.
The pitches at venues in the Middle-East make shot-making slightly more difficult, which is why someone like Jasprit Bumrah 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.
