Who, when, where
Sunrisers Hyderabad v Punjab Kings, 3pm BST, Sunday 9 April 2023, Hyderabad
Talking points
Aiden Markram arrived late to the 2023 IPL, but is a big boost to Hyderabad’s batting department. He’s their captain now – and is full of confidence after leading the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the maiden SA20 title earlier this year.
The Sunrisers have home ground advantage to use here. The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium can be a veritable cauldron of pressure for visiting teams. Punjab will do well to shake this dynamic and focus on the controllables.
Nathan Ellis put on a masterclass in Punjab’s victory over the Rajasthan Royals recently. His pinpoint accuracy and characteristic yorkers were a sight to behold. Hyderabad’s batsmen will need to use their crease well to potentially combat this.
Debate continues about where Punjab should be deploying England all-rounder Sam Curran in the batting order. He has batted as low as seven this IPL, with many pundits all but insisting he be pushed significantly higher.
Head-to-head
Punjab and Hyderabad have taken turns to beat each other in their last five outings. The Kings have clinched three wins to the Sunrisers’ two.
Stars to watch
Now captaining Punjab, Shikhar Dhawan is a solid force at the top of the order and his burgeoning leadership qualities are well in play as well. He struck a brisk 86 not out in that recent win over Rajasthan. Bowling-wise, seamer Arshdeep Singh is Punjab’s kingpin. And don’t forget about that man Kagiso Rabada for the Kings.
England leg-spinner Adil Rashid could use the conditions in Hyderabad to his advantage. Whether it’s with extra spin or bounce, Rashid’s role could be vital for the Sunrisers. The same goes for Washington Sundar with the ball, but he’ll have work to do with the bat as well.
Prediction
Punjab are shaping up to be the better pick for a winner. Hyderabad’s approach has been a bit disjointed so far. Perhaps Markram’s presence will boost that. Regardless, it’s hard to look past Ellis and company for victory.
Suggested bets
- Punjab Kings to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Nathan Ellis to be top bowler for Punjab
- Aiden Markram to be top batsman for Hyderabad
READ MORE: Mushfiqur Rahim hits unbeaten half-ton to guide Bangladesh to victory over Ireland in one-off Test
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