KKR’s rise to playoffs have been dented following their loss to Punjab in the last game. They have everything to play for against SRH, a side that has little to lose now. It promises to be an engaging contest. Here is KKR vs SRH Match Predictions.
KKR vs SRH: Form preview
Will KKR be able to maintain the fire?
Kolkata Knight Riders started their UAE campaign with a bang winning back-to-back games against RCB and MI. They lost a close game against CSK but went on to defeat DC in the next outing. Their campaign suffered a major bump with their loss to Punjab. The maximum they can contest for now is 14 points. KKR need to win both their games to stay alive in the competition. They will be up against Hyderabad, a side that is already out of the contention for the playoffs.
What do SRH stand to gain?
SRH have just won 2 games this season up until now. They have drafted in new players to change their fortunes but nothing has gone their way. Their bowling has held fort up until now. It will be interesting to see if they can hold that front up despite results not going their way. The majority of the SRH players might already have one eye on the mega auctions scheduled next year. They need something special to stay motivated for the rest of this season.
KKR vs SRH: Favourites?
KKR look better placed as compared to SRH at this moment. But the pressure will be on KKR to grab points. This might counter their plan to play with freedom.
Which players will be match-winners in this game?
A fit-again Andre Russell will be crucial to KKR’s chances.
Rashid Khan’s economy rate (6.24) in the IPL is outstanding. It will be difficult for KKR to overcome his threat.
X-factor player:
Venkatesh Iyer has been in red hot form this season. He will be key to KKR’s chances.
Jason Roy will be the danger man for KKR.
What do stats say about KKR vs SRH?
KKR and SRH have played 20 IPL games against each other.
KKR have won 13 games. SRH have won 7 matches.
KKR’s highest score against RCB in 183. SRH’s highest score against KKR is 209.
KKR’s lowest score against RCB in 101. SRH’s lowest score against KKR is 128.
Probable playing XI:
Kolkata Knight Riders predicted XI:
Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Tim Seifert, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson/Tim Southee, Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Mavi
Sunrisers Hyderabad predicted XI:
Jason Roy, Wriddhiman Saha, Kane Williamson, Priyam Garg, Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Siddharth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma
Pitch:
The Dubai pitch does offer a bit for everyone. The batsmen can trust the true bounce. There will be swing early on. The early movement was quite evident in the match featuring MI and CSK. But if the openers are able to ride the early challenge then they might be in for a big knock.
Weather Report:
A high of 38 degrees and a low of 30 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. Dew might not play a big factor in Dubai.
Ground stats:
A total of 66 matches has been played at this venue. Teams batting first have won 35 games while chasing teams have won 30. The average scoring batting first at this venue is 144. On the other hand, the average 2nd innings score is a paltry 122. Anything above 160 will be a par score batting first.
StumpsandBails verdict:
It is a battle between KKR’s playoff spot and SRH’s pride. KKR look the hungrier side at the moment.
