New Delhi: In the 48th match of the Indian Premier League 2015, resurgent Sunrisers Hyderabad will host beleaguered Kings XI Punjab at the Rajiv Gandhi International cricket stadium.
After winning two matches on the bounce, it seems as if the David Warner-led Hyderabad are getting the momentum just at the right time in the tourney.
With a play-off berth in mind, the match against George Bailey-led Punjab is quite crucial for SRH. After beating sides like Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils, in their last two games Hyderabad have emerged as strong contenders for the play-offs. In fact, they defeated the table toppers CSK as well, while playing at this same ground last time.
On the other hand, Punjab, who are out of contention from the play-offs after losing 11 matches out of the nine, will play to salvage some pride. Their two marquee players in Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson have failed to live up to the expectations, this season, which affected the team badly.
Though SRH are clear favourites in today's encounter, KXIP might play a spoil spot.
Players to watch out for
David Warner: The Australian has been going through a rich vein of form while leading the SRH side. With 423 runs in 11 innings, he is being among the leading run-scores in the edition and a strong contender for the yellow cap. Opener's consistency with the willow is the key for Hyderabad. The diminutive Aussie has been successful in providing the team with a solid foundation thus far. But the team's middle order has to make sure that they should make full use it. Warner is a live-wire on field as well. The 28-year-old, has to lead the side from the front in today's tie as well.
Glenn Maxwell: Even after being one of the biggest entertainers in the shortest format of the game, Maxwell has failed to leave any impact in the on-going edition of the IPL. However, we all know that once he gets going it's almost impossible for the bowlers to stop him. In the last match against KKR, the dashing batsman showed the glimpse of his former self by playing cameo of 43 off 22 balls. It shows that if he gets into the groove he can give any bowling line up a run for their money. With nothing to lose in the tourney, he might give the Hyderabad bowlers a tough time in the middle.
