Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pitch report and statistical preview
Fifth placed Rajasthan Royals host Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad in match number 28 of 2018 Indian Premier League. Ajinkya Rahane's side need their A game against the Orange Army, who have stormed to victories with some breathtaking bowling. There is plenty at stake in Jaipur as the visitors are eyeing the top place. Here is the pitch report and the statistical analysis.
The wicket in Jaipur is expected to do a lot for the batsmen with good bounce on offer. Pacers may get help with the new ball and therefore a sound contest could be on the cards. Given it is a 4 PM clash, expect the weather to be warm and dry. Players need to take fluids regularly to stay hydrated and battle the conditions.
SRH bowling has been the talking point this season. They have been in top form and pulled two victories in the last two games. RR will find it tough and therefore sound application is need of the hour. The last time they met, SRH dished out a nine-wicket victory. The likes of Sanju Samson and Ben Stokes need to step up against quality bowling.
How will they stop the Afghan spinner? What will be the strategy to face him? Rashid has been the enigma this season picking nine wickets and bowling the maximum dot balls (72), that's a whopping 12 overs. He could once again make the difference.
Rashid has figures of 3/19 and 2/11 in his previous two matches. Ajinkya Rahane needs 22 runs to topple Shane Watson as Royals' all-time leading scorer. Pacers have picked 20 out of 29 wickets which have fallen in Jaipur this season. SRH's Manish Pandey needs 20 more to register 4,000+ runs in T20s. SRH have lost 15 wickets during power-play this season.
