The North of India faces the Deccan of India as Kings XI Punjab take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Dubai International Cricket stadium. Two Sides who whom every win matters from now on if they have any circumstantial hope of qualifying for the playoffs this season. Which is why we expect this match to be an exciting contest between the two sides.
Talking about each side’s performance this season, Kings XI Punjab had the worst start possible in this tournament as they lost 6 out of the first 7 games they played. Their batting was mainly dominated by KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal but past this, they really didn’t get the required firepower down the order.
But ever since the last couple of games the Kings XI Punjab have managed to bounce back in style as they defeated Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals in back to back matches to keep their playoff hopes alive.
On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad had a thumping victory over Rajasthan Royals in their last match as Vijay Shankar and Manish Pandey notched up a 130 run partnership to guide them to victory. With both Sunrisers and Kings stuck at 8 points in the points table, it will be interesting to see which team has the edge over the other today. Which is why let’s take a look at the five key players to watch out in today’s game here.
Let’s take a look at the top 5 key players we should watch out for when Sunrisers Hyderabad lock horns with Kings XI Punjab :
1. Jonny Bairstow
The English wicket-keeper batsman has been one of the highest run-scores for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has been a proven performer at the top of the order while opening the batting order with his captain David Warner seems like is yet to turn on the party.
Along with the captain, the duo formed as a threatening opening pair helping the Sunrisers get off to a flying start. We expect nothing different from Bairstow and are waiting for him to blaze up.
2. David Warner
The Aussie leading his team Sunrisers Hyderabad hasn’t been up to his standards until now in this edition of Dream 11 IPL. It could be called average at best, just like his side Sunrisers Hyderabad has been performing this entire season, placing them in the bottom half of the table.
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He has the responsibility to score some substantial runs at the top of the order for his team, which he is very well capable off, to be one of the contenders for the playoffs.
3. Mayank Agarwal
The Punjab top-order batsman has been in some form this season. Just a few runs behind his captain placed third in the race for orange cap, he has been striking the ball very fluently and is a delight to watch when he performs.
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With an extraordinary strike-rate of 155.27 for an opener, he so far holds a half-century and a century as well under his name in just five innings. He single-handedly shifts away from the entire momentum from the opposition making him valuable and one to watch out for.
4. KL Rahul
The ‘Klassy’ KL Rahul has been in tremendous form since the 2019 summer, consistent and unstoppable. Given the Captain’s responsibility for his side this year, he has taken it with grace and performs brave upfront.
The Leading run-scorer for Kings XI Punjab this season, with an average of 75.50, standing right at top of the table for most runs, with 2 half-centuries and a massive 132(69) in just 5 innings, he expects you to know what he is capable of.
5. Chris Gayle
The universe boss has made his way back in the playing XI and he hasnt failed to cause an impact. In the first match at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Chris Gayle notched a match-winning fifty along with KL Rahul to edge Punjab out of the losing streak.
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In the following match against Mumbai Indians, which was also double over the game, Gayle hit that monstrous hit off Trent Boult in the super over to ensure Kings XI Punjab that victory against the almighty Mumbai Indians.