The 50th match of IPL 2024 is set to ignite the cricketing fervor as Sunrisers Hyderabad face off against Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Rajasthan Royals currently lead the points table with an impressive tally of 8 wins out of 9 matches. In contrast, Sunrisers Hyderabad occupy the 4th position, securing 5 wins in 9 games.
The historical rivalry between these two teams adds an extra layer of anticipation to this encounter, with both sides having won 9 games each in their head-to-head battles. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has witnessed some thrilling encounters this season. In their last game here, Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down a formidable target of 206, showcasing their batting prowess.
However, recent matches have also seen assistance for spinners, hinting at a potential shift in the dynamics of the game. Players like Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin could play crucial roles if the pitch continues to offer support to spin bowling.
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With the series tied at 9-9 in terms of head-to-head encounters, both teams will be eager to gain an edge and assert their dominance in this crucial fixture. Fans can expect a fiercely contested battle as these two IPL heavyweights lock horns once again.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Bhuvneshwar, despite his lean patch in this IPL, has got a good record against Jos Buttler, having dismissed him six times in 91 deliveries in T20 cricket. Bhuvneshwar has also accounted for Samson three times in the IPL and SRH will be banking on the experienced pacer against the RR top order. T Nararajan is a good option against Riyan Parag as the left-arm seamer has dismissed the batter twice in 15 deliveries.
Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Nitish Reddy, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, T Natarajan.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
While Yuzvendra Chahal has had success against Klaasen in the past, dismissing him three times in T20 cricket, RR may hesitate to use him considering Klaasen’s impressive strike rate of 226.82 against leg-spin. Instead, they might target Travis Head with spin, although this strategy carries some risk, especially with Abhishek, a proficient spinner, at the other end. Deploying Sandeep Sharma, known for his effective change of pace, in the early overs could prove fruitful for SRH. These tactical decisions will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match.
Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Sanju Samson, Heinrich Klaasen (vc), Jos Buttler (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Shahbaz Ahmed, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma, Pat Cummins
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Heinrich Klaasen, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma (c), Aiden Markram, Riyan Parag,Pat Cummins, T Natarajan, Yuzvendra Chahal
