Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders are set to clash in a do-or-die Eliminator at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. The winner of this match will play the losing team from the first qualifier between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant for a place in the final.
Hence, KKR and SRH will need to be consistent if they are to reach the IPL 2017 final. The game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders is expected to be a cracker of a contest with some match-winners in both the camps.
Both teams know what it means to win the IPL title. KKR won in 2012 and 2104 while SRH are the defending champions.
Some interesting things to look forward in the Eliminator.
David Warner-Shikhar Dhawan show
One of the main reasons for SRH reaching the Playoffs has been the form of their two openers, David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan. They have scored 604 and 468 runs respectively, and the duo is placed first and second in the most runs' list this season.
With both the players in ominous form, SRH will bank on these players for yet another flying start. Looking at how things have gone for SRH and their two stars, the match could be a run feast.
Chris Lynn's Lynn firepower
93, 32, 50, 84 and 26 – This is Lynn's scores in IPL 2017. The atmosphere of Chinnaswamy Stadium is electrifying and Lynn is primed to produce another brilliant knock to entertain fans. He loves to take the aerial route, and send the ball into the crowd.
Lynn could be at his menacing best and don't be surprised if the Australian cracks his maiden IPL ton, and that too in the first 12-13 overs.
Bhuvi's brilliance
He can take wickets on any surface. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's form in the competition has been phenomenal. He swings it both ways, and has the knack of picking up wickets early into the innings.
His bowling at death has improved by leaps and bounds. He is never off the mark and bowls economically. And it goes without saying, KKR batting lineup has a threat in Bhuvi.
SRH middle order
With Warner and Shikhar doing the bulk of the scoring so far, the middle order could be put to test if SRH lose their openers early. The likes of Yuvraj Singh, Moises Henriques and Naman Ojha need to score runs in the middle to mount a fighting total.
Pressure of Do-or-Die encounter
Both teams have some wonderful and experienced cricketers, with good mix of international and domestic players. Players will be under pressure as one small mistake could cost them a final berth.
Unpredictable Bengaluru weather
The last time SRH travelled to Bengaluru to face RCB, it turned out to be a wash out. Bengaluru's weather has been unpredictable and rain could play spoilsport in the Eliminator.
So keep your fingers crossed and pray for the best.
