Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Credits: BCCI)

Having lost their IPL 2020 openers, SunRisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders will take the field on Saturday to open their account. SunRisers’ middle-order was significantly responsible for their defeat to RCB after the top-order laid the platform for a relatively comfortable victory. KKR’s reputed bowling line-up failed to contain the Mumbai Indians’ batsmen followed by their batting line-up as well, who could not withstand the pressure.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Match 8: Kolkata Knight Riders Vs SunRisers Hyderabad: SRH Predicted XI

The opening combination of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow gives the Orange Army little to worry about; however, their middle-order is equally the opposite. The likes of Priyam Garg and Vijay Shankar needed to keep their calm as the required rate was manageable. Equally, Bairstow and Manish Pandey were at fault, owing to their reckless shots and the failure to carry on for a few more overs. As for their bowling line-up, Hyderabad needs Bhuvneshwar Kumar to strike with the new ball and Rashid Khan amongst the wickets in the middle overs.

SRH, CSK
Image Credit: IPL

As for KKR, paceman Pat Cummins was a massive disappointment as he conceded 49 runs in three overs without a wicket. Shivam Mavi put up a promising show while Sunil Narine was their most economical bowler as the two-time champions leaked 195. KKR’s batsmen also wasted plenty of deliveries during the powerplay apart from losing two wickets. Hence, when Andre Russell stepped at number six, the task became insurmountable as he departed for 11. Cummins was their top scorer with 33.

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IPL 2020: Match 8: Kolkata Knight Riders vs SunRisers Hyderabad: Match Prediction:

KKR
KKR. Image Credits: Twitter

Kolkata Knight Riders undoubtedly have the strongest and settled side amongst the two. For SunRisers, it is once more a question of their opening pair setting the foundation without which they could again stumble. KKR has a potent middle and top-order; hence, if they click on Saturday, it could be all over SunRisers’ bowling. The prediction is for Kolkata, who leads the head to head battle, to come out on top.

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