IPL 2018, SRH vs RCB: 5 player battles to look forward to between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore
In their previous game, RCB’s much-vaunted batting line-up capitulated in an embarrassing fashion against the Chennai Super Kings. They are now in a situation in which they need to win every game and perhaps, this is the worst time to face table-toppers Sunriser Hyderabad. The Kane Williamson-led side finished an excellent chase against the Delhi Daredevils at home the other night and they will be the favourites going into tonight’s game.
The more tantalising thing about this game is the fact that one of the tournament’s best batting sides (at least on paper) is going to take on its best bowling unit and in addition to those, there are going to be plenty of superb individual battles on show tonight.
Here is a look at 5 of the biggest battles that will take place tonight.
#5 Yusuf Pathan v Tim Southee
In SRH’s previous game, their number 5, Yusuf Pathan, scored a brilliant unbeaten 27 off 12 balls (2 fours, 2 sixes) to ensure that they completed a tense chase against DD and hence, RCB should be wary of the threat he poses in the slog overs. He has a specific role in the SRH side, that is to close out the innings in a flourish. He is averaging 34.80 and striking at 135.93.
However, those figures go up when he plays at home. He averages 43 and strikes at 141.9 at Hyderabad and that is why his battle against RCB’s death over specialist Tim Southee is going to be interesting.
The Kiwi has somehow seemed to have fixed RCB’s death over problems and has recorded an economy rate of just over 8 an over in the three games he has played so far. His accuracy, ability to bowl yorkers, and varying his line, are all going to be a tough challenge for Pathan, but at the same time, he is going to try and get on top of him at every opportunity. This slog overs battle is going to be one to look out for.