1. Background:
In IPL SRH vs RCB both these teams meet again for second round in Hyderabad on 25th April and the question on everyone’s mind is if SRH will most a 200+ score once again. With the bowling attack of RCB all signs that they might post a massive total again. SRH would want to get to 12 points and stay clear of the middle muddle. KKR is breathing down their neck and LSG with their heist in Chennai are also battling for the second spot.
RCB on the other hand would want this IPL to end quickly. The team is in shambles and they just can not play well for 40 overs. It’s either the batting or the bowling that struggles and sometimes both. Still they are all professionals and would want to put their best on the day.
2. Ground & Pitch:
This will be the second game at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium and both the matches had contrasting outcomes. The first match saw 277 scored and then second match was 165. The ball usually comes well on the bat at Hyderabad and in the last game clearly CSK did not bat properly.
With SRH batsmen in terrific form expect this to be another high scoring game unless RCB bats first. Given the track record the team winning the toss will like to bat first and try putting pressure on the chasing team. The strategy can go against you but with this flat track you need to try that.
3. Players To Watch For SRH:
Travis Head is striking at 216 strike rate this season and with 324 runs this season he is already in contention for the orange cap. He has the chance to get the orange cap when he goes against Virat the current orange cap holder.
Henrich Klassen has hit more sixes this year than any other batsmen in T20. He has not lit up the IPL like his team mate Travis Head but is capable of doing that. At 196 strike rate SRH would like to promote him and give him more opportunity this time around.
Nitish Kumar Reddy has turned out to be a very good utility player for SRH this season. He has shown that he is a decent bat and can contribute with the ball. Look out for this all rounder.
4. Players To Watch For RCB
Virat Kohli the Orange Cap holder so far is the only shining light for RCB. Expect him to continue his good form. If RCB has to win this match Virat has to come to party.
Dinesh Karthik is doing what Dinesh Karthik has been doing in the last couple of years. He is playing with a freedom unmatched and is so refreshing to see him play the game. He has been striking at 196 this season. RCB need to get him up the order and give him more time.
Faf du Plessis has finally shown signs of getting back in form. RCB needs their captain to step up again tomorrow. To begin he needs to win the toss. RCB is bad at both the facet of the game. They tried chasing last time and did not work out. At Hyderabad they should try to set target and hope their bowlers turn up.
5. Betting Tips:
Run Line is at 209.5 at the time of writing this blog. Too high a line without knowing who is batting first. I expect high scoring but i never back such high lines. Avoid.
If RCB bats first i might even try going under. But it is high risk.
Match Bet. SRH start favorite at 1.72 and I see the match ending that way. 1.72 is not a bad price for a team which is playing so well. If they bat first they win surely.