KXIP vs SRH: Pitch report and match preview
What's the story
Kings XI Punjab will host Sunrisers Hyderabad today in match number 16 of 2018 IPL. Notably, Punjab have never defeated Hyderabad at IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali and would be eager to break their losing streak. SRH go in as the favourites especially with their 100% win record in 2018. It will be crucial for KXIP to stop them Here is the match preview.
Runs aplenty
Pitch to assist batsmen in a high-scoring affair
The Mohali pitch is expected to be a batting paradise with high scores predicted. The last match saw KXIP and CSK score close to 200 runs and similar things could be in store. The ball is expected to come nicely onto the bat but spinners can expect some assistance as well. The conditions are likely to be humid and hot.
Numbers game
Stat attack: KXIP vs SRH
Chris Gayle averages 24.44 against Sunrisers which means the visitors have the onus to get him quickly. He has scored 220 runs in 9 innings with top score of 76. The last six head-to-head matches between these two sides have been won by SRH. In Mohali, teams batting second have won 6 out of last 10 encounters. The average first-innings score here is 174.
New feats
Shakib eyes milestone
SRH all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has 299 wickets across all T20s and could become only the fifth bowler to reach the 300 club in this format. Dwayne Bravo (414) has the highest wickets in T20s. Afghan sensation Rashid Khan has the best economy rate (5.58) in IPL 2018. In 3 matches, he has 2 wickets in IPL 2018.
Personal
Our take on the match at Mohali
SRH go into the game as the clear favorites. Their record, along with the form they have been in, make them impenetrable. KXIP will not find it easy to face the best bowling line-up in IPL 2018. That's where the battle will be won.