The Sunrisers Hyderabad will look to continue their winning momentum when they take on the beleaguered Delhi Daredevils in an IPL 2014 match at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday afternoon.
Where to Watch Live
The game is scheduled for a 4 pm IST (11.30 am BST, 6.30 am ET) start with live coverage on Sony Six (English) and Sony Max (Hindi) in India. The match can also be watched via live streaming online HERE or HERE. Catch the action in the rest of the world HERE, HERE or through the GoCricket apps. Viewers in the US can catch the game on Willow TV or with the live streaming option HERE, while Canada viewers can do the same HERE.
Viewers in the Middle East can watch the action on OSN with the live streaming option available HERE, while New Zealand viewers can do the same via Sky NZ or HERE or via the above rest of the world options. Viewers in the UK can catch the match on ITV, while Pakistan viewers can do the same on Geo Super, with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh audience able to watch the game on TV on Masaranga TV and Carlton Sports Network respectively.
SRH were quite impressive against the Rajasthan Royals on Thursday, restricting the in-form Shane Watson-led side to 102 after posting a below-par score of 134 themselves.
That was a much-needed victory for the Hyderabad franchise, and SRH can jump to sole fourth position with a victory on Saturday in Delhi.
DD, on the other hand, have struggled a fair bit this season, and yet again look candidates for the wooden spoon.
The Daredevils, led by Kevin Pietersen, had looked to IPL 2014 as a fresh start after deciding not to retain a single player, but after eight matches, it has all gone pear-shaped with the team managing just two wins in eight games.
If DD are to entertain any hopes of even remotely standing a chance of making the playoffs, then they need to win their remaining six games, and hope to sneak through on eight wins. Easier, said than done, of course.
"The team hasn't been doing well, but I hope that I can do something to help change the situation," said Imran Tahir, who has been roped in as a replacement for the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile. "We have been working hard and that is there for everyone to see.
"But sometimes, things don't go your way, but that is not due to a lack of hard work. Even if we can win four of the remaining six matches, we can be justified."
Tahir will provide some much-required bowling strength to the DD lineup, with their bowlers, following the loss of Coulter-Nile early in the tournament, looking barely capable of restricting the opponents.
"I don't think one can blame the bowling unit," DD fast bowler Wayne Parnell told IPL's official website. "I think overall we are making mistakes at crucial stages with our batting, fielding and bowling.
"If we can improve by five percent in every aspect of our game, we will be really close to doing something special."
Tahir is expected to come into the playing XI against the Sunrisers, with the question being which international player will sit out. Pietersen, while looking woefully out of form, will want to lead his side out, while JP Duminy have been their best batsman this season.
Quinton De Kock has been quite impressive at the top as well, even if he has not quite kicked-on to make a big score, while Parnell has been their most consistent bowler. Tahir, though is hopeful of getting into the side and making an immediate impact.
"I am seeing that spinners have got success in the tournament," Tahir added. "They play a key role in any tournament. It is a bit difficult for leg-spinners, as it is a little harder for us to be accurate, as compared to finger or left-arm spinners.
"The wicket at the Feroz Shah Kotla usually suits spinners, and I hope that it will this time around too."
