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

SunRisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders will search for their first points in IPL 2020 when they lock horns in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. SunRisers Hyderabad suffered a narrow ten-run loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore in their opening game while Kolkata sustained a rather heavy defeat to Mumbai Indians. Hence, both the former IPL champions will seek a turnaround on Saturday.

Also Read: IPL 2020 Match 8: Kolkata Knight Riders vs SunRisers Hyderabad: KKR Predicted XI

For the David Warner-led side, old problems knocked their doors as the middle-order could not sustain the pressure after the top-order batsmen did their part. The captain himself was run out under unfortunate circumstances. The ankle injury to Mitchell Marsh could have done them a lot of good as the Orange Army could bring in a more experienced and proven cricketer in his place.

We take a look at SunRisers Hyderabad’s predicted playing eleven ahead of their second IPL 2020 game:

David Warner (c):

Surprisingly, David Warner looked in good touch even after having a lean series with the bat in England. He slammed a boundary in the first over against Dale Steyn that signalled a mammoth partnership in making with Jonny Bairstow.

In the second over, Bairstow played a cracking straight drive that touched Umesh Yadav’s fingers and onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Warner, who found himself out of the crease had to walk back for a run-a-ball six. The southpaw would be itching to play his trademark knock on Friday.

Jonny Bairstow (wk):

Jonny Bairstow was the top run-scorer for Hyderabad in their first game with 61 off 43 deliveries, laced with six fours and two sixes. The Yorkshire keeper-batsman added 71 with Manish Pandey following the departure of Manish Pandey.

He lost his wicket to Yuzvendra Chahal following a wide slog in the 15th over when SunRisers needed only 43 for victory. The match turned on its head as Bairstow perished. Hence, the 29-year old should concentrate on putting up impactful performances that result in a win.

Manish Pandey:

Manish Pandey launched a counterattack on the RCB bowlers after SunRisers’ captain departed cheaply. The right-handed batsman’s stand of 71 along with Jonny Bairstow put Hyderabad in the driver’s seat; however, he threw away his innings.

Pandey was one of Yuzvendra Chahal’s three victims and it was right after keeper Josh Philippe handed him a lifeline. The 30-year old is the most experienced domestic player with a proven record as well; hence, he must step up for his side in crucial junctures.

Vijay Shankar:

Vijay Shankar endured a forgettable outing with the bat in the first game as he perished for a first-ball duck. Hyderabad needed for one of their relatively experienced domestic cricketers to step up and he could not.

With the ball, Shankar filled in for Mitchell Marsh, who could not bowl following an ankle injury and got the wicket of Devdutt Padikkal. The Hyderabad all-rounder will likely retain his spot as he is a seam-bowling all-rounder. Alternatively, the management could send him at number four to see how Shankar fares.

Abdul Samad:

Abdul Samad could get the nod ahead of Priyam Garg for SunRisers Hyderabad’s second game. In only 11 T20s, Abdul Samad has 240 runs at an average of 40. The 240 runs have come at a strike rate of 136.36.

As for Priyam Garg, he batted at number four for Hyderabad that day and scored 12 off 13 balls before an ugly dismissal. Garg is one batsman, who takes his time to get set while Abdul Samad could go after the bowlers from the outset.

Mohammad Nabi:

Mohammad Nabi might not be precise like for like replacement for Mitchell Marsh; however, brings plenty to the side. Mohammad Nabi’s off-spin not only buys wickets but also controls the flow of runs. In 13 IPL matches, the Afghan all-rounder has an economy rate of 6.62.

As far as Nabi’s ability with the bat goes, he strikes at 148.35. SunRisers missed a lower-order hard-hitting batsman like him in the last game, who could put the pressure back on the opposition from the word go. The 35-year old should come back to the side and bolster the inexperienced lower-order batting.

Abhishek Sharma:

Abhishek Sharma bowled two overs and gave away 16 runs for a wicket in Hyderabad’s first game. With the bat, Abhishek Sharma slammed a straight boundary and it looked like he could drive his side home.

However, the youngster suffered a collision with Rashid Khan while running between the wickets, resulting in his run-out. Following a promising show, the southpaw should retain his place for SunRisers’ second game.

Rashid Khan:

Even though Rashid Khan conceded only two boundaries in his four overs, it was not a performance of his standards. Rashid Khan gave away 31 runs in four overs without a wicket and SunRisers needed more from him.

The 21-year old, who is also a match-winner with the bat, could not sustain the pressure after an early boundary. Rashid became one of two Navdeep Saini’s victims. Hence, the 2016 IPL champions need their best spinner to make impactful contributions.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar:

Bhuvneshwar Kumar played his first competitive game since December 2019 as he remained on the sidelines due to constant injuries. During his four overs, Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded only three boundaries and gave away 25 runs in total.

However, David Warner would have wished for a wicket or two from the 30-year old with the new ball. While the Meerut seamer was their most economical bowler, SunRisers need him to strike with the new ball.

Sandeep Sharma:

Sandeep Sharma was slightly on the expensive side against RCB, conceding 36 runs in four overs without a wicket. Sandeep Sharma, who shared the new ball with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, is also a genuine wicket-taker in IPL through his vicious swing. Despite his mediocre show, the seamer will likely retain his spot.

T Natrajan:

T Natrajan was the only seamer amongst the frontline ones to bag a wicket, having accounted for RCB skipper Virat Kohli in the 16th over. It came at the correct time as the opposition had Kohli and AB De Villiers, their two best batsmen at the crease and looking to cut loose. The left-arm seamer will most likely keep his place after bagging figures of 4-0-34-1 in IPL debut.

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