IPL 2018, SRH vs DD: 5 player battles to look forward to
With their backs to the wall, Delhi Daredevils changed captains and have now recorded 2 wins in their last three games to give themselves a chance of making it to the top 4. However, tonight they will be up against the table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad, who also boast of the tournament’s best bowling attack.
It is an understatement to say that it is going to be a trial by fire for DD but considering the fact that they need to win at least 4 out of their last 5 games, they have no option but to play out of their skins and produce a game worthy of the occasion. The results of the game will, of course, be decided by some of the individual battles that will take place tonight at Hyderabad and here is a look at 5 of the most important ones.
#5 Siddharth Kaul v Glenn Maxwell
The SRH fast bowler has been one of the most important constituents of the team’s bowling machinery throughout the tournament and Siddharth Kaul’s performance in the latter part of the DD innings is going to be a pivotal passage in the game. He is the highest wicket-taker for the team so far with 11 scalps and his economy rate of 6.87 places Kaul among the best bowlers in the tournament. He can bowl fast when he wants to but his variations and accuracy have been equally weapons in his armory.
On the other hand, DD’s big money recruit Glenn Maxwell has been in abysmal form so far and in this run of games, they would want their middle-order power hitter to string together a few good performances. The Australian is averaging only 16.37 and his highest score is 47. However, if he does get going then SRH might have a tough time on their hands and that is why his battle with Kaul is such an exciting prospect. The SRH bowler has come up trumps against most batsmen in the tournament so far and Maxwell will be a new challenge. It could end up being a vital duel.