RCB vs SRH: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
What's the story
Royal Challengers Bangalore host Sunrisers Hyderabad in match number 54 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019. Bottom-placed RCB will look to play for pride. Meanwhile, SRH need to win this match to keep their hopes alive in regards to qualification for the play-offs. It's going to be an exciting battle. Here is the detailed match preview.
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Head-to-head meetings between the two sides
The two teams have met on 14 occasions in the IPL. SRH have enjoyed an advantage with eight wins under their belt. RCB have collected five wins. One game was abandoned in 2017. In the previous meeting this season, SRH won by 118 runs.
RCB batting
RCB's top order needs to produce the goods once again
RCB's middle order is an issue and it looks weaker especially after the exit of Moeen Ali and Marcus Stoinis. So it is crucial for players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Parthiv Patel to come together for one last time and contribute. They have been the pillars of this side. Kohli would want to sign off with a bang at home.
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RCB need a strong approach from the bowlers
Navdeep Saini holds the key for RCB with the ball. His variations and pace could unsettle a shaky SRH batting unit. Yuzvendra Chahal is vital and his form at home could aid RCB. Pawan Negi and Shivam Dube need to chip in and produce substance.
SRH batting
SRH will turn up to Pandey for the fireworks
SRH will hope that their new opening combination will come good. Both Martin Guptill and Wriddhiman Saha are experienced, but they have the tendency to get carried away with their shot-making. Besides Manish Pandey, the middle order has looked flat. Pandey is once again the hope for SRH. The likes of Mohammad Nabi and Vijay Shankar need to come together and help SRH.
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SRH will rely heavily on Rashid and Khaleel
SRH will be looking to have a say with their bowling and the likes of Rashid Khan and Khaleel Ahmed need to keep up with the consistency level. Having said that, SRH's bowling looks strong and balanced. It promises to be a good contest.
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Pitch report, timing and TV listing
The pitch at the Chinnaswamy will support batting. Anything in excess of 185 will be a strong total. The bowlers will need to stick to their plans and try to mix things up. The match is scheduled for 8:00 PM start IST. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network and can stream the same on Hotstar app.