When two quality IPL teams are in action, one can expect some wonderful cricket in the middle. The same should be the order of the day as Sunrisers Hyderabad host Kolkata Knight Riders at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Sunday, April 30.
Both SRH and KKR are a team on a mission. The defending champions, who lost to KKR in their last head-to-head match, want to retain the title while KKR are gunning for their third title. The way these two teams have played in the competition, it would not come as any surprise if either of them reach the finals.
KKR lie on top of IPL 2017 table, and are almost assured of Playoffs berth, and SRH are also slowly, but gradually getting there. If SRH can beat KKR, they will decrease the gap to one points, the race for the top slot can get even more interesting.
There is a reason that both Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders have been impressive. They have played solid all-round cricket, which will once again be on show on Sunday.
SRH have been highly dependent on David Warner at the top so the KKR bowlers will be looking to send back the left-hander early. If that happens, SRH will need the likes of Kane Williamson, Yuvraj Singh and Shikhar Dhawan to score big.
Even if they fail to score a mammoth total, SRH have some incredibly talented set of bowlers, including Rashid Khan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The pacer has taken 18 wickets while the leggie has dismissed 11 batsmen. It is due to these bowlers, SRH have produced some positive results.
But then, if this SRH duo of Bhuvi and Rashid has been brilliant, KKR have been blessed with Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir. They have scored runs consistently, helping the team win number of matches with the bat.
And with Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan coming in the middle order, they look solid. Both the players have contributed to the team's victory this season. Someone or the other has always stood up when required, which is a characteristic of a strong team. Even their bowlers including Nathan Coulter-Nile have delivered the goods.
With both teams having all the bases covered for this IPL 2017 clash, the match could be a close encounter. Consistency and concentration for 40 overs will be a must for all players on Sunday in Hyderabad to see their respective team home.
Where to watch
The IPL match between Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders is scheduled for 8:00 pm IST, 3:30pm BST and 10:30am ET start.
TV and Live streaming information
India: TV: Sony Max, Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony Max, Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Online.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 3HD. Live Streaming: Sky Sports Go.
Middle East: TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD. Live Streaming: OSN Play.
South Africa: TV: SuperSport Two. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
International: Live Streaming: Cricketgateway.
