Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad

26/9/20, 3pm (BST), Abu Dhabi

WINNER

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS – 1/1

V

SUNRISERS HYDERABAD – 4/5

Match Preview

Both sides, historically strong performers in the IPL, have made losing starts this year having found it tough going while chasing the game.

KKR had a chastening night against Mumbai Indians and Rohit Sharma, with star bowler Pat Cummins going the distance and Andre Russell arriving at the crease with the game all-but over after some indifferent top-order batting.

They will be looking more from openers Sunil Narine and Shubman Gill to set a platform for Russell and Eoin Morgan, while Sunrisers are looking for the middle order to chip in after relying too heavily on Jonny Bairstow last time out.

David Warner’s side look very top-heavy with the bat and could find it difficult chasing big scores unless their overseas openers fire regularly.

Our Prediction

Sunrisers Hyderabad highest score in first 6 overs – 4/5

Warner and Bairstow are the strongest opening partnership in the tournament, striking at 148 and 158 last year respectively, and have flourished together while also going on to make significant personal contributions and that is sure to continue this year.

Gill and Narine struggled by comparison and KKR don’t look like they know their best batting line-up, so Sunrisers should be guaranteed to get off to the best start.

Cummins will be desperate to prove his price tag was justified after a poor opening and is 7/4 to take over 1.5 wickets, while Bhuvi Kumar is the same price in the same market and could exploit the weak KKR top order,

Top Run-scorers

Top Wicket-takers

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