IPL 6: Match 7 - SRH vs RCB: Sunrisers Hyderabad Preview

The Sunrisers Hyderabad won their debut game 2 days ago with a 22-run victory over Pune Warriors India. That the victory came while defending a meagre total of 126 makes it even more noteworthy. Although the clash was billed as one between two teams largely expected to lag behind in the points table by the end of the IPL season, cricket is a funny game and funnier things have happened still. The Sunrisers only need to look back at IPL 2 for some inspiration where the erstwhile Deccan Chargers lifted the trophy after finishing at the bottom of the table in the inaugural edition.

The Sunrisers will be able to draw quite a few positives from the game including their stellar bowling performance led by Dale Steyn. The RCB line-up boasting of Gayle, Dilshan and Kohli – all of them potential match-winners – will be tested and at the same time, provide a sterner test for Steyn and co. too. The presence of Amit Mishra, who will be licking his lips again at the prospect of bowling on the sluggish Uppal track, has the ability to make the RCB middle-order look more ordinary than it actually is. The rest of the bowlers, including the erratic Cameron White might be a concern for Sangakkara.

A late-innings fightback, fuelled by Thisara Perera’s explosive batting saved the face of the Sunrisers’ batting to a large extent. The absence of any big Indian name in the batting department and moderately skilled local talent is bound to produce lacklustre starts as was seen in their opening game. Whether they can improve their batting will determine if they can improve their chances in the matches to come. Against an attack comprising Muralitharan, Karthik and Vinay Kumar, which looks better than what Pune Warriors India had put forward, their batting will be under greater pressure.

Players to look out for:

Dale Steyn - The world’s best fast bowler. On any surface. Period!

Thisara Perera - A very useful all-rounder. His down-the-order-hitting and nippy seam bowling with variations are an asset for his team. Also, he is only getting better with more experience, playing a similar role in the Sri Lankan T20 team and also for Brisbane Heat in BBL.

Amit Mishra - His control over his variations make him a difficult bowler to handle. After the pressure applied by Steyn in the opening overs, teams tend to go after the spinner and that is where Mishra is at his best.

X-factor:

Cameron White – His form is an acerbic reminder of his inability to hold his place in the Australian team. He can change the course of a match with his power-hitting when on song; it’s just that the music hasn’t been playing as often as he’d have liked.

Conditions:

The Uppal track is expected to be a difficult one yet again. There will be some swing for the bowlers with the new ball and a lot of help for the spinners. The outfield, as usual, is expected to be lightning quick. Whether or not we get another low-scoring thriller will depend as much on the SRH bowlers as a certain another fearsome player in the opposition camp.