Sunrisers Hyderabad were on a hot streak until Kings XI Punjab brought them to their knees in their last game. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings have three wins from four games too, coming off a win against Rajasthan Royals in the last game. Going on current form, these are going to be the teams to beat in this season of the Indian Premier League. Expect a cracker of a game!
Teams
Firstly, a huge boost to the Chennai Super Kings was the return to fitness of Suresh Raina. Their middle order was hurt and he slotted back into that team perfectly, scoring 46(29) which was a perfect second-fiddle innings to Shane Watson. He is the second highest run-scorer in the history of the IPL and that speaks for itself. With that century in the last game, Watson is also in threatening form while MSD and Dwayne Bravo prove to be the ideal finishers.
Sunrisers Hyderabad had a dream start to IPL 2018 but their honeymoon period may well be over. While they have an outstanding bowling attack, if they have an off-day, SRH will lose as the batting isn’t too great at all. The have a few technically sound batsmen like Williamson and Pandey, but no one who can really slog the ball if required. One batsman in form is Shikhar Dhawan but that blow to his elbow in the last game puts a 2% doubt on his participation in this one.
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SRH have a good bowling attack capable of defending low scores but they have one major issue so far. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has picked most of his IPL career wickets during the powerplay overs but I believe he has been very wayward in the opening overs, and not very effective at all. Expect Watto and Rayudu to smash quite a few boundaries in the first 6 overs.
Overall
Billy Stanlake may return to fitness and come back in place of Chris Jordan. If they manage to pick an early wicket and let Stanlake bowl a few short ones and account for the wicket for Suresh Raina as well, SRH may well be on to something. But unless that happens, I’m firmly on Chennai Super Kings’ side for this contest.
