IPL 2021, SRH vs PBKS preview: High stakes await as Hyderabad takes part in a virtual knockout
The IPL 2021 continues to roll on in the UAE, as Sunrisers Hyderabad faces Punjab Kings in an all-important clash. In what turns out to be a virtual knockout for SRH, we present the match preview.
FollowIt would be another all-important clash on Saturday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Former champion Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) would take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 37 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
It is a clash of the table bottomers, as SRH is placed at the rock bottom, having won just a game from its eight matches so far, while PBKS is a place above, having won three from nine. In what turns out to be a virtual knockout for SRH, here is the preview of this enthraling clash.
Team composition
Considering SRH's current squad, it is tide heavy on its bowling. However, with most of the team being COVID affected, its balance is somewhat disturbed. Nevertheless, skipper Kane Williamson, Manish Pandey, Mohammad Nabi, Jason Holder, Wriddhiman Saha, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan are a few of the top ones with a massive role to play.
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As for PBKS, it is heavy as well on its bowling. However, it has a commendable batting line-up with star power to give the promising SRH bowling attack a tough time. The likes of skipper KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal and Mohammed Shami are a few of the select ones to be watched out for.
Injury concerns: Although there are no injury concerns for either side, SRH pacer T Natarajan remains isolated for testing COVID positive, along with teammate Vijay Shankar.
LIVE SCORECARD: IPL 2021- SRH vs PBKS
Head-to-head
The two sides have clashed on 17 occasions, with SRH leading 12-5. Of the three games in UAE, PBKS leads 2-1, while in the only encounter in Sharjah, PBKS prevailed.
Weather and pitch report
The weather in Sharjah would be scorching like a desert, with an expected temperature of around 38 degrees and 49% humidity. The pitch would again remain flat, with shorter boundaries aiding the batsmen, as toss would hardly be a factor here.
Probable XI
SRH: Kane Williamson (c), Jason Roy, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav/Abhishek Sharma, Abdul Samad, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed and Sandeep Sharma.
PBKS: KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh.
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Fantasy XI
Batters: Williamson, Pandey, Agarwal (vc), Gayle- Agarwal is sure to fire as the opener owing to his decent form, while Gayle can do the same at number three. As for Williamson and Pandey, they would consolidate in the middle, while Agarwal's reliable form makes him the deputy skipper.
Wicketkeeper: Rahul (c)- A no-brainer who has been in a consistent form and is our skipper as well.
All-rounder: Hooda- He has been delivering with the ball in the past few matches and should continue the same in this tie as well.
Bowlers: Khaleel, Rashid, Brar, Arshdeep, Shami- Khaleel, Arshedeep and Shami have been excellent with their pace, while Brar has been impressive with his spin in the past few games. Rashid is a must-have, being the most lethal spinner of all.
Match details
Date and day: September 25, 2021 (Saturday)
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
