In the 38th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be clashing against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 21. Hyderabad was able to stop their three-match losing streak against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) a few days back; whereas, Kolkata now has four losses in a row. With both the teams tied in the IPL 12 Points Table, it will be interesting to see which team jumps in the league standings, as the match ends. In their previous meeting on March 24, it was an all-Andre Russell show. The Kolkata franchise chased the target of 182 runs with much ease riding high on Russell’s 19-ball 49 runs blitzkrieg. The contest between two of the strongest sides, (on paper) this season, will be an exciting watch for the fans on Sunday. With little time left for the contest to begin, we bring you a list of 5 key players to watch out for in SRH vs KKR, 38th IPL 2019 match. IPL 2019 Points Table Updated: No Change in Indian Premier League 12 Team Standings After DC and RR Register Wins.
David Warner
The best batsman so far, David Warner has led the Orange Cap holder’s list since he has marched out to bat this IPL. With 450 runs in 9 matches, he has played this season, Warner has been a standout performer for Hyderabad. The dynamic left-hand batsman has given solid starts at the top of the innings for his side, and would be hoping to carry his form into the match tonight.
Andre Russell
If David Warner has been the best batsman this IPL, Andre Russell has had the most impact as an individual this year. In all the victories, and near-victories (read: losses), Russell has had contributed significantly. Hyderabad would not only need a Plan A for Russell, but Plan B, Plan C, and Z ready too. Because if he gets going, there’s no stopping him eclipse any target.
Rashid Khan
The wonder spinner has lived upto the expectations levelled against him this year. However, given his exploits in the previous seasons, there’s much more for him that is left to achieve. Rashid Khan has very well managed to dry the run flow in the middle of the opposition’s innings. But, it is his wickets’ tally that is a cause of concern for Hyderabad. With an impeccable economy rate of 5.59, Rashid’s duel with Russell will be delighting, if it happens.
Nitish Rana
Nitish Rana (Photo Credits: IANS)The left-hand youngster found some form in his knock against RCB. Nitish Rana has become KKR’s batting mainstay in very less time. Rana brings a bit of all the worlds in his batting, be it aggression, poise, placement, or timing. The Kolkata franchise would be banking a lot on Rana, given the form that he is in. Rana has scored 286 runs this season – the second- most for his franchise.
Jonny Bairstow
The dark horse of this season, Jonny Bairstow has had a great IPL season this year. The tally of 365 runs from 8 matches is a testimony of the form that he is in. Bairstow, along with Warner, has been one of the best opening pairs this season. With only a few days left in IPL, Bairstow would strive to leave a lasting impression in the league before he leaves for national duty.
The hosts, Sunrisers Hyderabad, are on the 5th spot of the IPL 12 Points Table after winning 4 and losing an equal number of matches, this season. As for KKR, the team has won 4 and lost 5 matches out of 9 games they have played so far. With 8 points, they are on the 6th spot. Stay tuned with LatestLY for all the latest updates about Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 21, 2019 01:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).