IPL 2018, Match 36, Sunrisers Hyderabad v Delhi Daredevils - Match Prediction

The 36^th match of Vivo IPL 11 is going to be between the table toppers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Daredevils, the side who are languishing at the bottom of the points table.

Delhi managed to keep their hopes alive in the tournament with a four-run victory against the Rajasthan Royals. On the other hand, Hyderabad has been brilliant and has won their last three matches. It has mainly been possible due to some exceptional bowling performance.

Hyderabad batters have been ordinary at times, though the pitches haven’t been batting friendly. It has mostly helped the bowlers who have helped SRH defend pretty low scores in their last three encounters. They are one team who proves that T20 is always not about big sixes and going hammers and tongs. Even in the absence of their star bowler, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, they have been sensational.

All the bowlers have risen to the occasion and have not disappointed their skipper Kane Williamson. Meanwhile, he is hopeful of the fact that Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be available for the Saturday’s clash. The form of Manish Pandey has been an area of concern. He has looked good on occasions but has failed to be consistent. Hyderabad being at the top of the table means Manish can get into the groove and take a bit more time in doing so.

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Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spinner has made a stunning comeback after going for plenty of runs in a couple of consecutive matches.

However, given the variations he has and the class he brings to the game, it was only a matter of time before he gets back in the rhythm and start taking the wickets consistently. Skipper Kane Williamson has been the pillar of their batting order and has been quite brilliant at the top too.

The fortunes of the Daredevils have changed a bit after Shreyas Iyer got appointed as the new skipper of the franchise. The inclusion of Prithvi Shaw at the top of the order also proved to be crucial for Delhi. The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and Prithvi Shaw have been the standout performers for Delhi. Iyer has been spectacular and smashed an unbeaten 93 off just 40 deliveries against the Kolkata Knight Riders which helped DD return to winning ways.

The bowling department hasn’t been at their best also. Avesh Khan has been nippy at times and has also bowled the cutters to perfection. The ground in Uppal might also benefit the likes of Liam Plunkett. Delhi needs a win badly, and will surely look to come all guns blazing and keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

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Team Combinations

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was seen practising in full throttle ahead of the clash and is expected to be okay for Saturday’s match. If that’s the case, then Sandeep Sharma might make way for Bhuvi. Basil Thampi has the ability to bowl Yorkers in the death which might help him keep his place in the playing XI.

Predicted XI: Shikhar Dhawan, Alex Hales, Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Wriddhiman Saha(w), Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar/Sandeep Sharma, Basil Thampi, Siddarth Kaul

Delhi Daredevils

Maxwell wasn’t seen in the practice session. However, there hasn’t been any update on his unavailability. In all likelihood, Delhi won’t tinker with the winning combination.

Predicted XI: Prithvi Shaw, Colin Munro, Shreyas Iyer(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Glenn Maxwell, Vijay Shankar, Liam Plunkett, Amit Mishra, Shahbaz Nadeem, Avesh Khan, Trent Boult

Match Prediction

Hyderabad has played some exceptional cricket in the tournament so far. Their bowlers have given them victories despite not scoring much after batting first. However, Delhi is the team in desperation and needs to win to keep their hopes alive. Hence my vote is with the underdogs, Delhi Daredevils.

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