The 69th game of IPL 2024 is set to feature an exciting clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on May 19th. Currently, Sunrisers Hyderabad is sitting in third place on the points table, demonstrating a strong season performance. In contrast, Punjab Kings find themselves in ninth place, struggling to find consistent form. Both teams have played thirteen matches so far this season. Sunrisers Hyderabad have emerged victorious in seven of those encounters, while Punjab Kings have managed to win only five.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s last match against Gujarat Titans was unfortunately abandoned due to rain, leaving fans and players disappointed. On the other hand, Punjab Kings come into this match with momentum, having secured a five-wicket win against Rajasthan Royals in their previous outing. This victory was largely thanks to a stellar performance by Sam Curran, who scored an impressive 63 runs and also took 2 crucial wickets.
Historically, Sunrisers Hyderabad have had the upper hand in their encounters with Punjab Kings. Out of the 22 matches played between these two teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad have won 15, while Punjab Kings have secured 7 victories. This season, Sunrisers have continued their dominance over the Kings, having won their last two matches against them. This includes a thrilling away match earlier in this edition in Mullanpur, where Sunrisers Hyderabad defended a total of 182, winning by just 2 runs.
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High-scoring games have been a hallmark at the Hyderabad venue, and this match is expected to follow suit. However, the weather could play a significant role, as showers disrupted the practice sessions on Saturday (May 18), and more rain is forecasted for the afternoon and evening on match day. This could add an element of unpredictability to the game, potentially affecting both teams’ strategies and performances.
In summary, with Sunrisers Hyderabad aiming to solidify their top-tier standing and Punjab Kings fighting to salvage their season, this match promises to be a thrilling contest. Fans will be eager to see if SRH can maintain their winning streak against PBKS or if the Kings can pull off an upset and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has had a notable edge over Prabhsimran Singh, dismissing him twice in just 10 IPL deliveries. Extending beyond the IPL, Kumar has taken Prabhsimran’s wicket three times in 11 deliveries, including a match in the 2023 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy between Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Furthermore, Bhuvneshwar has managed to keep Rilee Rossouw in check, conceding only 5 runs in 10 deliveries, although he has yet to dismiss him. On the other hand, Rossouw has scored 14 runs off 12 balls against Pat Cummins, with one dismissal.
Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sanvir Singh, Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. [Impact sub: T Natarajan].
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
In a twist of events, Jitesh Sharma stepped up for the captains’ meeting before the start of the season as Shikhar Dhawan and Sam Curran were yet to join the team. The team’s foreign player woes continued with Jonny Bairstow also leaving for England, and the unavailability of Kagiso Rabada, Liam Livingstone, Sikandar Raza, and Chris Woakes. This left Punjab Kings with only two overseas options: Rilee Rossouw and Nathan Ellis.
To adapt to these changes, PBKS is expected to field Atharva Taide as one of the openers, replacing Bairstow, and might bring in Rishi Dhawan to fill Curran’s spot. This reshuffling presents a challenging scenario for Punjab Kings as they face Sunrisers Hyderabad, necessitating strategic adjustments to make the most of their available resources.
Probable XI: Prabhsimran Singh, Atharva Taide, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma (c & wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Rishi Dhawan, Harshal Patel, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar.
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Travis Head (c), Abhishek Sharma (vc), Rilee Rossouw, Heinrich Klaasen, Ashutosh Sharma, K Nitish Reddy, Shabaz Ahmad, Harshal Patel, Pat Cummins, Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Heinrich Klaasen, Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw,Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma (c), Shashank Singh, Nitish Reddy, Pat Cummins, Sam Curran(vc), T Natarajan, Arshdeep Singh
