RCB’s recent loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by a narrow 1-run margin has put them in dire straits. Despite a valiant effort from Karn Sharma, who hit three sixes off Mitchell Starc in the final over, RCB fell short. The team’s hopes now rest on a complete turnaround, winning all their remaining games to qualify for the next round. However, their task will be daunting against a rampant SRH outfit. SRH has won four consecutive matches and is third in the standings with 10 points and a healthy net run rate of +0.914. Their batting lineup, led by Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Abhishek Sharma, has been in exceptional form, amassing runs at will in the ongoing IPL edition. Against Delhi Capitals (DC), left-arm fast bowler T Natarajan claimed four wickets for 19 runs, guiding SRH to a convincing 67-run victory. SRH also holds the record for the highest T20 powerplay score of 125 for 0, set by Head and Abhishek. In head-to-head encounters, SRH holds a 13-10 advantage over RCB in T20 cricket. In Hyderabad, the Orange Army has won six out of eight games against RCB. In their last meeting on April 15, 2024, SRH defeated RCB by 25 runs, with Head scoring the fourth-fastest century in IPL history. Given their current momentum, SRH is unlikely to make significant changes to their winning combination. Their batting lineup is settled, and their bowlers, including Natarajan, have stepped up with crucial performances. RCB, on the other hand, has struggled for consistency, making three changes against KKR without improving their fortunes. The pitch in Hyderabad is expected to favor batters, promising another high-scoring game where bowlers will have little margin for error. SRH enters the match as the clear favorite, while RCB faces an uphill battle to secure a much-needed victory.
IPL 2024: RCB to Face Rampaging SRH in Crucial Clash
