Who, when, where
Sunrisers Hyderabad v Royal Challengers Bangalore, 3pm BST, Thursday 18 May 2023, Hyderabad
Talking points
Hyderabad cannot qualify for the play-offs, but they can still attempt to avoid the bottom of the 10-team standings. They’re effectively in a battle with the Delhi Capitals to miss the proverbial wooden spoon. A win here would be a big boost for Bangalore’s play-offs ambition.
The Royal Challengers, remember, are still chasing their maiden IPL title. They’ve reached the final three times, but lost on each occasion. This could be the year they go all the way, provided they show they mean business against the Sunrisers.
The Sunrisers have their trusty trio of South Africans to lean on again. Marco Jansen can perform with the ball, while Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen have more opportunities with the bat. Markram hasn’t had a great debut season as SRH captain. A win here could return confidence.
This venue has served up several 200-plus first-innings scores this season. It’s a good ground for chasing, regardless. The captain to win the toss will likely opt to bowl first and bat later because the surface should remain true throughout.
Head-to-head
The Sunrisers and Royal Challengers have all but taken it in turns to beat each other in their last five meetings. Bangalore have three wins to Hyderabad’s two.
Stars to watch
Faf du Plessis is the leading run-scorer in the 2023 IPL and remains a big asset for RCB as the tournament nears its business end. The former Proteas captain has been in the news a lot recently. Will he or won’t he return to the national set-up…?
Klaasen has been in fine form for SRH. His last nine innings have all yielded strong starts and six have been converted to 30 or more. His last knock, against the Gujarat Titans, was a superb 64 in trying conditions.
Prediction
Bangalore should have the balance here and win. They have three wins to show for their last five matches and this should make it four in six.
Suggested bets
Royal Challengers Bangalore to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad
Virat Kohli to be top batsman for Bangalore
Marco Jansen to be top bowler for Hyderabad
READ MORE: Rob Key insists Jofra Archer is still ‘desperate to play Test cricket’ despite fresh injury setback
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