Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is gearing up to host Sunrisers Hyderabad’s final home game and the 69th match of the IPL 2024 on Sunday, May 19th.
Punjab Kings have already been eliminated from the tournament, marking another disappointing season as they failed to make the playoffs. Inconsistency and the disadvantage of multiple home grounds were significant factors, according to many cricket experts. They have also lost their last two games.
On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad are well-positioned to finish in the top two this season. Their 10-wicket victory over LSG boosted their Net Run Rate (NRR), giving them a strong chance to secure a top-two finish, as their NRR is better than that of RR. However, their last match was called off due to bad weather.
What to expect?
SRH have won seven out of eight home matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. They also secured a victory against Punjab Kings in their previous encounter in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. SRH are the clear favourites to win this match, especially with the absence of Sam Curran, Johnny Bairstow, and Liam Livingstone from the Punjab Kings, making their chances of winning appear slim.
SRH vs PBKS Toss Prediction
The pitch at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad usually provides a balanced contest between bat and ball. Fast bowlers can capitalize on the pitch early in the game, while batters tend to find it easier to score in the later stages. Choosing to bat first could be a smart decision.
SRH vs PBKS Strengths & Weaknesses
SRH Strengths
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Travis Head has likely been the best batter for SRH this season. Scoring 471 runs in his last 10 matches, Head has consistently provided brisk starts for the team, and his performance could be key in securing another win for SRH.
SRH Weaknesses
The spin department of SRH has struggled this year, with players like Shahbaz Ahmad and Mayank Markande failing to perform in critical moments. Mayank Markande, in particular, has had a disappointing season. The leg-spinner has been expensive, conceding a lot of runs and failing to secure vital breakthroughs, managing only 8 wickets with a high economy rate of 11.77.
PBKS Strengths
Except for Shashank Singh, no other PBKS batter has shown consistency in IPL 2024. Shashank Singh has scored 352 runs in 13 matches, averaging 58.67 with a strike rate of 168.42. In the bowling department, Harshal Patel has been a standout performer for the Punjab Kings, taking 22 wickets in 13 games and currently being the highest wicket-taker of the season.
PBKS Weaknesses
The Punjab Kings are expected to feel the absence of their English overseas players and Kagiso Rabada, who has returned to South Africa due to an infection in the soft tissue of his lower limb. They are likely to rely on their Indian bench strength for this match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and they will also be hopeful for Shikhar Dhawan’s return to lead the team as captain.
Conclusion
In anticipation of the clash between Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, cricket enthusiasts are gearing up for what promises to be a captivating showdown. As the tournament enters its crucial stages, both teams find themselves in contrasting positions.
For Punjab Kings, it’s a battle against elimination. Despite flashes of brilliance from individual players like Shashank Singh and Harshal Patel, PBKS has struggled with consistency throughout the season. The absence of key overseas players and the unfortunate loss of Kagiso Rabada to injury further complicates their campaign. However, cricket has a knack for surprises, and PBKS will be banking on their Indian talent to step up and deliver when it matters most.
On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad is riding high on confidence. With a strong home record and a well-balanced squad, SRH finds themselves in contention for a top-two finish. Travis Head’s impressive form with the bat has been a major boost for the team, providing explosive starts at the top of the order. Additionally, the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, if he returns from injury, will add further strength to their lineup.
In essence, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter as PBKS and SRH battle it out for crucial points in their respective quests. With playoff aspirations and pride on the line, expect nothing short of an exhilarating display of cricketing prowess at one of India’s most iconic venues.
