Six matches left….one got eliminated and one qualified. Rajasthan as I apprehended in my last article KXIP vs RR Match Preview, Rajasthan took the competition to the level of 14 points finally. No 16 for Punjab now. Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan and Kings XI Punjab….all four…now have the chances only to make it 14. On the other side of the table, we must have a look at the current performances of Delhi Capitals and RCB. Both having 14 points must be watching the game played yesterday and the day before.

Sunrisers Hyderabad will try to capitalize RCB’s fumbling towards the end of the tournament. If they can drive the game home, we are going to have a fantastic super Sunday.

RCB in the last match couldn’t defend 164 against Mumbai Indians. With dew dropping in the second half, you have to bowl extremely well. In MI vs RCB preview, I tried to establish that too much dependence on Virat and AB is a big problem for RCB. Having a weak lower middle order, they failed to convert a good start to a perfect finish. Sunrisers Hyderabad were scheduled to play their last three games against table-toppers Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians. They beat Delhi and it was a comprehensive win.

In the batting unit, I think, it’ll be better to bring back Aron Finch in the playing XI. Though he is out of form, he can balance the experience in the side. It’s a big game and Finch might be given license to go after the Sunrisers pacers. Padikkal should continue to better his strike rate. It’s time for Kohli to create pressure on opposition bowlers. As, except, de Villiers, it’s getting tough for RCB, he must take responsibility today.

For SRH, Warner is back to form and still, he has to do a lot of work to be consistent. Manish Pandey in the middle is in form. If Vijay Shankar is not fit, someone else is to replace him. Jason Holder’s inclusion strengthens the lower middle order. Down the order Rashid Khan can bat.

Except Rashid Khan, Sunrisers Hyderabad have no game changing bowlers. Still Natarajan, Sandip Sharma, Nadeem, and Khaleel are doing very well. Jason Holder is an experienced campaigner with the ball.

For RCB, pace bowling is a problem. Morris has to deliver more in this contest. Siraj and Saini are the younger ones and therefore, must be guarded by Virat. Discipline should be the key in the match like this. Sundar and Chahal are very consistent.

We are back to Sharjah again. I said earlier, it’s hard to predict. Still one winning toss should bowl. The pitch has not been used since October, 26. So there is a lower chance of getting it slow. On losing the toss you have to be very accurate in assessing your first innings score and must try to make it as healthy as possible. Otherwise, it is very tough to defend under the light. We expect a fantastic game of cricket tonight.