Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad face each other in match number 28 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season on Sunday. The match is being held at the DY Patil Sports Stadium in Mumbai. After losing their first two games, SRH have claimed three straight wins over CSK, GT, and KKR, respectively and are upbeat. PBKS are placed third with three wins from five games so far.
This is a massive game for both sides as they seek two valuable points and make their presence on the table. Here we present a complete analysis.
Analysis of PBKS
Punjab have been playing well so far, but a test against the resurgent Sunrisers will keep them on their toes. Punjab need their top four batters to come good, and this can unsettle SRH, who have a solid bowling unit. The last game saw PBKS defend their total versus MI, and that was a positive sign. Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal hold the key at the top. The likes of Liam Livingstone and Jonny Bairstow can be emphatic as well. Finishers like Shahrukh Khan and Odean Smith will look to make their presence felt.
In terms of bowling, PBKS have Kagiso Rabada leading the line. He is a proven customer and can get an early scalp or two. Also, there is Rahul Chahar, who made a strong comeback after being peeled for runs in his maiden over versus MI. Arshdeep Singh has shown he is an intelligent bowler in the ranks. Altogether, PBKS have their bases covered.
Analysis of SRH
Three wins from three for the 2016 champions see them in a position of promise and comfort. The performance versus both GT and KKR were top-notch from SRH’s point of view. Against KKR, they bowled well on a good surface and made the run-chase look easy despite a shaky start. The key men in the ranks are Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram, who are genuine match-winners. Kane Williamson and Nicholas Pooran are pivotal customers as well and can test the PBKS bowling. SRH have built well in terms of batting, and the results are coming.
However, their main strength is the world-class bowling attack. Marco Jansen looks confident and is crucial with the new ball. Umran Malik’s pace is something that can terrorise batters. In Bhuvneshwar Kumar, they have a sorted death bowler. In T Natarajan, SRH have control and composure. It’s a solid line-up of bowlers who can test the Punjab Kings and keep them under the wraps.
Head-to-head record
The two teams have met 18 times in the IPL, with SRH leading 12-6 in the head-to-head record. Last season, both teams shared the spoils between them.
What is the expected playing XI of both sides?
PBKS predicted playing XI: Mayank Agarwal (c), Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Odean Smith, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Vaibhav Arora, Arshdeep Singh
SRH predicted playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Kane Williamson (c), Rahul Tripathi, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Aiden Markram, Shashank Singh, J Suchith, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Marco Jansen, Umran Malik, T Natarajan
Which team is the predicted winner?
SRH are looking good at the moment and can test PBKS, who too can be strong on any given day. Toss could play a pivotal factor here, but SRH do have the utmost strength in bowling, and that can make a difference. In what seems to be an even contest, we put our money on the Sunrisers.
Key details about the pitch, timing, and TV listing
The previous game at this venue saw the Gujarat Titans get to a big total on the board and defend the score comfortably. The team batting first has won twice in the last two games at the venue. Therefore, runs on board could also work out well. There will be no dew threat as it’s an afternoon game. The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. Viewers can stream the same on the Disney+ Hotstar app (paid subscription). The match will start at 3:30 PM IST.
The major batting stats on offer
Shikhar Dhawan has amassed 5,981 runs in the IPL. He can be just the second player after Virat Kohli to script 6,000-plus runs. Dhawan has scored 41 runs off 42 balls versus Bhuvneshwar and is yet to be dismissed. Kane Williamson has 2,009 runs and can surpass JP Duminy (2,029).
The major bowling stats on offer
Right-arm pacer Bhuvi has claimed 23 wickets versus Punjab in 16 games. He is two shy of the 25-wicket mark. He can also steer clear of Sunil Narine in terms of IPL wickets (147 each). Kagiso Rabada has 14 wickets versus SRH from just eight games.
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Option 1)
Batsmen: Abhishek Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tripathi
All-rounders: Odean Smith,
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Option 2)
Batsmen: Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram, Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Rahul Tripathi, Shahrukh Khan
All-rounders: Odean Smith
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Rahul Chahar, T Natarajan
Dream11 Fantasy XI: Captain choices
Rahul Tripathi: The best uncapped Indian batter in the IPL over the last couple of seasons. Against KKR, Tripathi spiced things up with a match-winning knock. He is a versatile player and is superb on the field.
Shikhar Dhawan: The opener played well versus MI, and a similar show can be on offer from his bat. Nearing the 6,000-run mark, Dhawan has seen it all. He will be charged against a solid SRH bowling.
Dream11 fantasy: Vice-captain choices
T Natarajan: The SRH bowler has been amongst the wickets this season (11). He looks to have brushed aside the injury issues and is looking sharp as ever. Natarajan will be aiming to stick to the basics against PBKS.
Kagiso Rabada: The SA star knows his job well, and he will look to chip in both upfront and at the death. He will be aiming to get key wickets, and his extra pace can be useful.