GT vs RR: "Mohammad Shami Against Jos Buttler" - Brad Hogg Opines Powerplay Battle Could Be Defining In Qualifier 1
Updated - 24 May 2022, 02:10 PM
Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg believes that the battle in the powerplay between Gujarat Titans (GT) bowler, Mohammad Shami and Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener, Jos Buttler, could decide which way the Qualifier 1 will swing.
Gujarat and Rajasthan will play against each other at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday. There is a lot at stake and both teams will be keen to secure a spot for the final on May 29.
Ahead of the match, Hogg mentioned that RR’s batting lineup will be tested, and losing early wickets will definitely cost them as they lack power-hitters in their lineup apart from Shimron Hetmyer.
“Shami against Buttler, two slips in place with the ball swinging away, get him out early and you are on your way to victory. Ashwin will come in next to protect Samson from the extra pace. Get him out as well and suddenly they will be two down.”
“Hetmyer is one of the dominant players in the death overs. I think Rashid Khan with his variations will be perfect. Extra bounce and turn on a new wicket will help Rashid and he will have his man,” Hogg said on his YouTube channel.
“They were the best performing teams in the powerplay phase” – Brad Hogg
Hogg also reckoned that GT and RR finished in the top two of the IPL 2022 points table as they always used to win the powerplay phases during their league games.
“No wonder GT and RR are playing the Qualifier 1. They were the best performing teams in the powerplay phase of every game with both bat and ball. You win that phase, you win 80 per cent of your games generally,” Hogg further mentioned.
The first six overs of a T20 are important and both teams will look to capitalize during the field restrictions. A loss isn’t the end for either team as they will head over to Qualifier 2 where they await the winner of the Eliminator between LSG vs RCB.
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IPL 2022 Jos Buttler Mohammad Shami RR vs DC
