SRH vs PBKs – Today’s IPL match is between SRH vs PBKs. The 69th match of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) takes place today, Sunday, May 19th. The venue is the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. SRH has already secured their place in the playoffs. And PBKs will play for pride after being knocked out of contention.
PBKs Play for Pride
For the Punjab Kings, the season has been a tale of missed opportunities. Moreover, eliminated from playoff contention, they are going to play for pride today. However, a strong performance against a top team can set the tone for the upcoming auction. Furthermore, it can provide valuable insights for the future. Bowling can be a cause for concern for PBKS.
Arshdeep Singh, the young left-arm pacer, is a bright spark with his pace and swing. However, the lack of a consistent wicket-taking spinner and a reliable pace partner for Arshdeep affects the team’s bowling efforts.
PBKs if batting first
Rishi Dhawan, V Kaverappa, Nathan Ellis, Prabhsimran Singh, Atharva Taide, Ashutosh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, Harshal Patel, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma.
PBKs if bowling first
Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Rahul Chahar, Harshal Patel, Rishi Dhawan, V Kaverappa, Nathan Ellis, Arshdeep Singh, Prabhsimran Singh, Atharva Taide, Rilee Rossouw
Moreover Impact Players: Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Bhatia, Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma
SRH Eyeing Playoff Momentum
SRH secured their place in the coveted IPL playoffs. Furthermore they aim to maintain winning momentum and refine their strategy for the knockout stages. Thus, they currently sit comfortably in the top four of the points table. Moreover, a victory today would further solidify their position.
Their batting lineup boasts the in-form Abhishek Sharma. He is a revelation at the top of the order. Bowling remains a strong suit for SRH. Meanwhile Umran Malik’s pace attack and the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar consistently trouble the opposition.
SRH likely XI (if batting first)
Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Vijaykanth Viyaskant, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Heinrich Klassen (wk), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sanvir Singh.
SRH likely XI (if bowling first)
Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Vijaykanth Viyaskanth, T. Natarajan, Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klassen (wk), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sanvir Singh.
Moreover Impact Players: Washington Sundar, Umran Malik, T. Natarajan, Nitish Kumar Reddy,
Head-to-Head Record Favors SRH
Historically, the head-to-head record between these two sides favors SRH. In their 22 previous encounters, SRH emerged victorious on 15 occasions. While PBKS has managed only 7 wins. Interestingly, their most recent encounter was a nail-biter. SRH clinched a narrow victory with just 2 runs.
Key Players to Watch in SRH vs PBKs
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Heinrich Klassen, T. Natarajan, Travis Head, Pat Cummins (c) and Abhishek Sharma.
- Punjab Kings: Arshdeep Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Shikhar Dhawan.
If SRH wins the toss
SRH is set to set targets in this tournament. Pat Cummins aiming to bat first, with Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Nitish Reddy as potential choices. T Natarajan excels on the surface, making him a risky C or VC choice. Furthermore, Pat Cummins’ crucial contributions in trades make him a handy pick for the match.
If PBKs wins the toss
Punjab Kings may opt to bat first on winning the toss due to missing key players. Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, and Jitesh Sharma as potential options. Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, and Rahul Chahar are the PBKS favorable bowlers.
Prediction: SRH vs PBKs
SRH is the clear favorite on paper. Moreover, considering their form and head-to-head record, PBKS shouldn’t be taken lightly. Their free-spirited approach and the pressure of qualification that is off their shoulders make them a dangerous proposition. However, Expect a close contest with the winner’s potential decided in the final few overs.
Even though the two teams have faced off 22 times, Hyderabad won 15 times in the head-to-head match. Although the team captained by Pat Cummins is quite confident. They defeated PBKS in their prior match earlier in the season.
SRH is desperate for a win, considering their top-2 chances. PBKs if eliminated from the race might end their campaign positively. Meanwhile SRH may have an edge due to their home turf record.
