IPL 2020: Match 52: Royal Challengers Bangalore Vs SunRisers Hyderabad: Weather Forecast
David Warner and Virat Kohli. (Credits: Web)

We are well and truly at the business end of the Dream11 where almost every game not only has a bearing on the two sides’ involved but also on the rest of the teams. Another such crucial game will take place on Saturday when Royal Challengers Bangalore lock horns with SunRisers Hyderabad in Sharjah.

After having won 7 of their first ten fixtures, the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore were looking comfortably placed to not only qualify for the playoffs but also finish in the top-2.

But consecutive defeats at the hands of CSK and MI have pegged them back and while they may still finish in the top-2, they will have to ensure that they win both their last games- against SunRisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals.

Royal Challengers Bangalore, SunRisers Hyderabad,, KKR
Virat Kohli celebrates with his team-mates [Photo-Twitter]rcb
RCB can qualify even if they win one of their last 2 fixtures but in order to ensure that they finish in the top-2, they will then have to depend on the other results to go their way. The same goes for the scenario if they lose both their final matches. They can still qualify in that scenario if a whole host of other results go their way and there is no significant dent to their NRR.

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As far as their playing combinations are concerned, the Royal Challengers Bangalore got a first-hand experience of what can happen if both Virat and ABD fail. Their batting is heavily dependent on their top-4-b which was further bolstered by the addition of Josh Philippe- the middle-order is a cause for worry and given the fact that Dale Steyn went for plenty in the last match, they might be tempted to slot in Moeen Ali to bolster their middle-lower-order.

Also Read- IPL 2020: Match 52: Royal Challengers Bangalore Vs SunRisers Hyderabad: RCB Predicted XI

Can SunRisers Hyderabad continue with the momentum against Royal Challengers Bangalore?

As far as SunRisers Hyderabad is concerned, the equation is pretty much straightforward for them. Win the remaining two games and then hope that some of the other results go their way for them to qualify for the playoffs.

After having made a mess of what seemed like an easy run-chase (126) against Kings XI Punjab, SunRiser Hyderabad played a near-perfect game at the expense of Delhi Capitals, smashing them by 99 runs.

SRH, DC
SRH beat DC [Photo-IPL.BCCI]
SRH made a tactical punt in the last game by slotting in Wriddhiman Saha at the top of the order. Saha and Warner took the attack to the DC bowling attack and ensured that the SunRisers smashed 77 runs- the highest in this season- in the powerplay.

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Saha’s whirlwind knock was the major reason behind SRH posting 219 in 20 overs, post which Rashid Khan did what he has been doing for such a long time now: taking wickets without giving anything away.

SRH might have played a perfect game on the field against DC but not everything proved to be hunky-dory as Wriddhiman Saha (groin strain) and Vijay Shankar (hamstring niggle) went down due to injury.

It will be interesting to see whether the duo and especially Saha, who was so brilliant in the last game, make it the playing 11 on Saturday.

 

IPL 2020: Match 52: Royal Challengers Bangalore Vs SunRisers Hyderabad: Weather Forecast

Another bright and sunny day awaits us in Sharjah on Friday. According to the BBC weather report, the temperatures are expected to fluctuate between 17-35 degrees celsius. A cool breeze is expected to blow throughout the day while the humidity is set to be around 36 percent.

IPL 2020: Match 52: Royal Challengers Bangalore Vs SunRisers Hyderabad: Weather Forecast