Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will face off against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the penultimate game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024which is Match 69, on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Generally, the surface in Hyderabad is renowned for its batter-friendly pitches, which typically foster high-scoring encounters, particularly in the initial stages of a match. Batters relish the opportunity to play on this surface, where the ball comes onto the bat nicely, allowing for free stroke play and the accumulation of quick runs. However, the pitch’s characteristics evolve as the game progresses, bringing spin bowlers into play.

SRH vs PBKS: Head-to-Head Records:

• SRH and PBKS have faced each other 22 times since the inception of the IPL in 2008.
• SRH have emerged victorious in 15 matches, while PBKS have just won 6 times.
• Out of their five previous encounters, SRH have emerged victorious on four occasions, while PBKS have tasted success only once against of their formidable opponents.
• In the matches played at Hyderabad, SRH has won 7 times against PBKS, who have won only once

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Overview

SRH have already secured their playoff spot thanks to a rain washout in their game against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Thursday. This result ensured their progression to the next stage of the tournament without having to rely on their performance in the final league match. Nevertheless, the upcoming match against PBKS remains crucial for SRH as they aim to finish in the top two of the standings.

Securing a top-two finish is highly significant as it offers a direct route to the final through Qualifier 1, providing a major strategic advantage. In this scenario, the team finishing in the top two would face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Qualifier 1. Winning this match would guarantee a place in the final, while a loss would still give them another chance to qualify through Qualifier 2, offering a valuable safety net.

SRH’s probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 game against PBKS:

1. Travis Head
2. Abhishek Sharma
3. Nitish Reddy
4. Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
5. Abdul Samad
6. Shahbaz Ahmed
7. Sanvir Singh
8. Pat Cummins (C)
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
10. Jaydev Unadkat
11. Mayank Markande

A closure look:

SRH’s lineup features Head and Abhishek as their opening batters, aiming to provide a solid foundation. Nitish Reddy will add depth to the top order, while Klaasen, the wicketkeeper, will be pivotal in the middle order with his aggressive batting. Samad and Shahbaz will contribute as all-rounders, offering both batting and bowling options. Sanvir will add further balance to the lineup. Cummins, the captain, will lead the pace attack alongside experienced bowler Bhuvneshwar and the reliable Unadkat. Markande will handle the spin duties, rounding out a well-balanced and formidable team.

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Punjab Kings (PBKS) Overview

PBKS find themselves out of the playoff race and will be playing their last match of the season. Despite their elimination, they will be eager to finish their campaign on a high note. This game offers them an opportunity to end with a victory, providing a positive conclusion to their otherwise disappointing season.

Nonetheless, they will be without the services of key players such as Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone and Kagiso Rabada. The absence of these star performers poses a significant challenge for the team. Curran’s all-round abilities, Livingstone’s explosive batting, and Rabada’s lethal bowling have been crucial to the team throughout the season. Their unavailability means that PBKS will have to rely on their bench strength and younger players to step up and fill the void.

PBKS’ probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 game against SRH:

1. Prabhsimran Singh
2. Atharva Taide
3. Rilee Rossouw
4. Shashank Singh
5. Jitesh Sharma (c/wk)
6. Ashutosh Sharma
7. Harpreet Brar
8. Harshal Patel
9. Rahul Chahar
10. Nathan Ellis
11. Arshdeep Singh

A closure look:

PBKS will field a lineup featuring Prabhsimran and Taide as their opening batters, aiming to provide a strong start. Rossouw and Shashank will anchor the middle order, bringing stability and firepower. Jitesh, the wicketkeeper, will add depth to the batting lineup alongside Ashutosh and Brar, who contribute both with the bat and ball. Harshal will be the spearhead the bowling attack with his experience. The spin department will be managed by Chahar, while Ellis and Arshdeep will handle the pace responsibilities, looking to restrict the opposition and secure a win in their final match of the season.

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