IPL 2018, SRH vs KKR Match Prediction: Who will win today's match?
KKR need a win to secure qualification for IPL 2018 playoffs. SRH have already secured their top-two spot but will need to break their two-game losing streak. Who will come out on top in this battle between bat and ball? Here is a look at what might happen as Kane Williamson takes on Dinesh Karthik.
Date: May 19
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Time: 20:00 IST
If Sunrisers Hyderabad bat first
Predicted score: 160+
Sunrisers Hyderabad is assured of a top two spot but the problem for them is not one that many other teams face going into the final weekend. They need to snap their two-game losing streak and get some momentum going into the playoffs.
They were always the side who could defend anything, courtesy of their incredible bowling attack. But in the last couple of games, their bowling has let them down. Although Alex Hales and Shikhar Dhawan have been decent, Kane Williamson has been the sole shining light for SRH far too often.
Although Manish Pandey scored against RCB, he has largely flattered to deceive this season. In Yusuf Pathan's absence, the middle-order hasn't quite been up to the mark. If they need a big total against KKR, they will need them to fire and set up a big total. They will also need Williamson, who is their leading run-getter this season to get going and safely negotiate the new ball if an early wicket falls.
Against a bowling line-up that hasn't been spectacular, barring the spin department, SRH will need to negotiate the spinners well if they are to set a total in excess of 160.
If Kolkata Knight Riders bat first
Predicted score: 155+
Kolkata Knight Riders know that they need just a win to go through to the IPL 2018 playoffs. The equation is simple but accomplishing that won't be so easy. SRH have been the best bowling side this season and have a stellar home record over the past few seasons.
With KKR needing a win to ensure qualification and not rely on other teams, they need their top order to fire. That will mean that Chris Lynn, who has been surprisingly circumspect this season and Sunil Narine, who has broken all barriers while opening the batting will need to give them a good start.
They will also need Robin Uthappa, who has a good record against SRH to come good and contribute with something more than just a flashy cameo that gets the side nowhere. Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell have been excellent finishers but they will have their task cut out for them against the SRH bowling line-up.
Whether Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns back to the side will make a big difference when it comes to how good the bowling line-up is. Although Siddarth Kaul and Sandeep Sharma have been good, the addition of Bhuvi will make them even better and make their task of scoring more than 155 tricky.
Match prediction:
Although SRH has lost two in a row, they have been incredible at home this season. That immediately gives them an advantage over KKR going into the game. That coupled with the fact that they have bowlers who can exploit the early swing on offer puts them in a better position to cope up with the conditions.
The fact that they have shown they can defend any total is an advantage but their bowling hasn't been their strong suit in the last two games. While KKR has shown that they can chase under pressure, all they need is a win and that might be difficult against SRH, who will be favorites.
SRH vs KKR Live Score
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