The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are one win away from securing a playoff berth in the IPL 2024 when they face the Gujarat Titans (GT) today. A victory would guarantee their place in the top four and give them a chance to compete for the top two spots. SRH is currently holding 14 points from 12 matches and could potentially reach a maximum of 18 points, which might be sufficient for a top-two finish depending on other match results. The team led by Pat Cummins is also aiming to compete for the top two spots, with one more game remaining and a healthy net run rate of 0.406.
Having enjoyed a week off, the Sunrisers are well-rested and high-spirited after achieving a record-breaking win against Lucknow Super Giants on May 8. The bowlers’ impressive performance restricted LSG to a below-par score, while the opening duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma chased down 166 in just 9.4 overs, securing a dominant 10-wicket victory at home. Throughout the season, the Sunrisers have demonstrated a pattern of securing remarkable victories but have also experienced significant defeats, including a loss to GT (by 7 wickets) earlier in the competition.
Shubman Gill-led GT are playing for pride. Whatever mathematical chances they had of making it to the playoffs after their big win against CSK got dashed with the rain washout against KKR. The new-found opening pair of Gill and Sai Sudharsan shows promise, but the concern area remains their bowling attack minus fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury.
