IPL 2018, KXIP vs SRH Match Prediction: Who will win today's match between Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad?
While the Kings have been roaring loud enough with a dangerous bunch of guys on their side, Sunrisers are seated comfortably on top of the table. In the competition between teams that have played 3 matches in the league, they stand next to each other. The Hyderabad team has won all their games, 2 at home and one away. On the other hand, the Kings XI have dominated in their backyard while losing against RCB in the Chinnaswamy.
The highlight of both the teams are the spinning sensations that they possess. KXIP will be dependant on Mujeeb to give them breakthrough as will the SRH be on Rashid Khan.
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With nothing to lose and all to gain, the table-toppers will lock horns with the Punjab team in their den.
Date: 19th April
Venue: Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
Time: 8.00 PM IST
If the Kings XI Punjab bat first:
Predicted score: 170+
The batting line-up of the Punjab team has looked dangerous from the start of the season. The cream of Karnataka batting line-up - KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair - have contributed quite consistently. With Rahul back in form from game 1, the team also got to relish Gayle-storm in their previous match against the CSK.
A point to ponder on will be the absence of performance by Aaron Finch. The man, known for his explosive style of batting, has gotten out at golden ducks both the times he's played for the team. Falling into the same group is the Indian legend, Yuvraj Singh. His highest contribution to the team has been a 13-ball 20 while he's looked out of sorts in the other games.
All-rounders Marcus Stoinis and Axar Patel have also not put their best foot forward. But, given that the top order is strong enough to score the bulk of runs, a quickie of 10-15 runs from the both should be a decent contribution to the total.
The Sunrisers are known for having one of the best bowling line-ups since their existence in the league and this year is no different. While the pace attack is strengthened by Billy Stanlake, Siddharth Kaul, led by Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, the spinning front is very well handled by Rashid Khan and Shakib Al Hasan. Most of their bowlers have achieved a low economy rate if not entering the purple cap list.
If the Sunrisers Hyderabad bat first:
Predicted score: 180+
The Sunrisers have successfully chased three matches with Shikhar Dhawan spearheading the batting line-up. If they are to bat first this time, Kane Williamson has to continue with his previous performance and Wriddhiman Saha would be expected to give a strong stand with Dhawan.
Down the lane, there are some strong names that'll provide a boost to their totals if the openers are out for cheap. Manish Pandey, who has been shining in International matches for India hasn't really played up to his caliber. However, with the likes of Shakib, Yusuf Pathan and Deepak Hooda, the lower order is pretty dangerous if they begin exploding.
Without a doubt, the find of the IPL 2018, Mujeeb Rahman is the star bowler of the Punjab side. The lad's economy rate has been averaging around 6.75. Along with him is the captain Ravichandran Ashwin, controlling opponent's scores with their spin traps. Their pace attack has however not lived up to their standards despite getting some wickets here and there. Both Mohit Sharma and Andrew Tye have an average economy rate of around 10-11.
Match Prediction
With both the teams looking strong, the teams wouldn't want to tinker around a lot with the teams. As the IPL tagline goes, 'best vs best', this is one such contest.
Despite a pacer-friendly pitch, the spin-strong home team of Punjab look dominant in this contest. If their batsmen are to fire as usual, the Sunrisers look likely to face their first loss of this tournament.
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