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Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play their final league match of the IPL season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Ekana Stadium. RCB have already sealed a spot in the playoffs with 8 wins from 12 matches. They have 17 points and are likely to push for a top-two finish. In their last 5 matches, they have picked up 4 wins and their most recent game was abandoned.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are already out of the tournament. They have just 4 wins from 12 matches and have struggled throughout the season. In their last 5 games, they have won 2, lost 2 and one match ended without a result.
In the overall head-to-head record, SRH have a slight lead with 13 wins, while RCB have won 11 matches. However, in the last 5 meetings, RCB have a 3-2 advantage. The form and performances so far favour RCB going into this contest.
Abhishek Sharma has scored consistently at a strike rate above 190, making him likely to cross the 24.5 mark again.
The betting tip is...
Abhishek Sharma - To Score Over 24.5
61 %
39 %
Royal Challengers BengaluruSunrisers HyderabadThe Royal Challengers will expect Virat Kohli to continue his strong form. He will enter this match with 505 runs from 11 innings at a strike rate of 143.46, including 7 fifties. Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar will also play key roles, with both scoring 239 runs so far.
Tim David will offer late acceleration with a strike rate of 193.75. Devdutt Padikkal has been ruled out and Mayank Agarwal will come in as his replacement. Jitesh Sharma and Krunal Pandya will provide depth in the middle order.
Josh Hazlewood will be RCBβs lead bowler if heβs fit to play. He has taken 18 wickets in 10 innings and is currently third on the purple cap list. Krunal Pandya has picked up 14 wickets, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 12, and Yash Dayal has claimed 10. Blessing Muzarabani will continue as Lungi Ngidiβs temporary replacement.
Kohli, Krunal and David are the key players in the team.
Predicted Lineup: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood/Blessing Muzarabani, Yash Dayal.
SRH will go into their final match without Travis Head, who is unlikely to return after missing the previous game due to COVID. Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma will open the batting.
Abhishek will come in with confidence after hitting a 50 off just 18 balls. Heinrich Klaasen will continue in the middle order after scoring a quick 47 in the last game. Klaasen and Abhishek are SRHβs top run-scorers this season. Aniket Verma has batted at a strike rate of 155.90.
In bowling, Harsh Dubey made his debut in the last game, replacing Mohammed Shami. Harshal Patel leads the wickets tally with 15, while Pat Cummins has picked up 13. Eshan Malinga has taken 8 wickets in 5 matches. Unadkat has 7 wickets in 5 appearances. Ansari has underwhelmed with 6 wickets in 10 matches.
Abhishek, Klaasen & Cummins are the key players in the team.
Predicted Lineup: Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Aniket Verma, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Harsh Dubey, Zeeshan Ansari, Eshan Malinga.
RCB will start as favourites after showing better form this season. Their bowlers have been consistent, especially Hazlewood, Krunal & Bhuvi. SRH have some good individual talent but has struggled in both departments. However, their top-order batters can score quickly.
Abhishek Sharma has batted with a strike rate above 190 this season and will look to make the most of the powerplay. He has been in good touch & scored a 50 off just 18 balls in the last match. If he gets going, he can do early damage. Kohli, David and Klaasen will also play key roles in this contest.
