IPL 2022: Match 28 – Predicted Sunrisers Hyderabad Playing XI vs Punjab Kings

Although the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) started the IPL 2022 campaign with two losses, they have regained momentum with three consecutive wins. This performance is backed by the bowlers, who have done well to restrict the opposition at around par score, and then the batters have done well to stitch partnerships to chase down the total. After the end of the third week, they are at seventh position in the points table with three wins in five league matches.

In their last league match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the team’s bowling effort was average giving away 175 runs. However, the batters put up a solid show with the confidence of previous wins and they chased down the total, with 13 balls to spare. They will be facing Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their next league match, and are expected to play with the same combination.

Here’s a look at the Sunrisers Hyderabad predicted XI against PBKS:

Openers: Abhishek Sharma and Kane Williamson (c)

The openers, Abhishek Sharma and Kane Williamson have proved to be the confidence builder for the team in securing victory for the team. The team management maintained the trust in Abhishek, and he finally delivered to provide a good start to the team. On the other hand, Williamson has been rock solid with his approach to the game.

In five innings, Abhishek has contributed 142 runs at a strike rate of 116.39. He came back to form by hitting 75 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and continued his form with 42 against Gujarat Titans (GT). Although he could score only three against KKR, but is expected to deliver in the upcoming matches.

It has been a similar story for Williamson as well, where he provided a solid start to the team with 32 against CSK while emerging as the team’s top run-scorer with 52 against Titans. In the last outing against KKR, he started well but was dismissed on 17. The leader has been thoughtful with his approach and tactical changes, which are helping the team in the other half of the game as well.

Middle-order: Rahul Tripathi, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Aiden Markram

The middle-order is the key strength for the team, with the presence of experienced players like Rahul Tripathi, Nicholas Pooran, and Aiden Markram. These players have had an immediate impact on the team’s morale and the outcome of the match. The batter at the no.3 position, Tripathi has garnered 171 runs in five games at a strike rate of 178.13. In the last game, he was the top scorer for the team with 71 off 37 balls.

The Protea batter, Aiden Markram displayed his terrific potential in the last game to put SRH in the driving seat and secure a third victory. He slammed 68* off 36 balls and completed the chase with two sixes off Pat Cummins. In total, he has 149 runs at a strike rate of 150.51.

The wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran looked under pressure in the first fixture against Rajasthan Royals (RR). However, he has turned with 30+ scores against Super Giants and Titans and has looked confident with his ball-striking capabilities. In five innings, he has contributed 78 runs at a strike rate of 127.87.

All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Shashank Singh, Jagadeesha Suchith

In this bracket, the team has Marco Jansen, who has been a terrific performer for the South Africa team in the Test format earlier this year. He was called in the 11 as a replacement for Romario Shepherd and has done well for the team so far. In three matches, he has picked up three wickets at an economy of 6.92.

The all-rounder Jagadeesha Suchith has often warmed the benches in the last few editions. But, he was the key performer for the MI team in their first title victory in 2013. He replaced the injured Washington Sundar in the Playing 11 of the last game and finished with figures of 1/32 off three overs.

Shashank Singh has done well for the Chhattisgarh team in domestic cricket for the last one-two year. Hence, he was awarded a contract with the Sunrisers this season. He bowled a single over and gave away 10 runs, and would look to contribute with the bat.

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik, T Natarajan

One of the key strengths of the Sunrisers team lies in their bowling attack, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Umran Malik, and Natarajan in top form. In five matches, Kumar has scalped five wickets at an economy of 8.20 and has been helpful with wickets in the powerplay overs and can contain well in the death.

The speedster Umran has been lethal with his pace since the first match of the season. He returned with 2/27 off four overs in the last league match, which is his best performance this season. After getting a precious wicket of Shreyas Iyer, he must be upbeat ahead of this fixture.

The most successful bowler for the SRH team this season, Natarajan has been terrific with his yorkers and movement with the ball. In the last fixture, he finished with figures of 3/37 off four overs. In total, he has picked up 11 wickets in five matches at an economy of 8.50.

SRH’s predicted playing XI for the PBKS’s clash: Abhishek Sharma, Kane Williamson (c), Rahul Tripathi, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Aiden Markram, Shashank Singh, Jagadeesha Suchith, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Marco Jansen, Umran Malik, T Natarajan