IPL 9, Qualifier 2 Preview: SRH, GL clash for a place in the final

Dark horses Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and IPL debutants Gujarat Lions (GL) will go head to head against each other tomorrow at the Feroz Shah Kotla to decide who will travel to Bangalore to challenge the mighty looking Royal Challengers Bangalore for the title shot.

SRH inflicted a delightful 22 run defeat on two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders to get one step closer to the final. In a sense, SRH has been the ‘dark horses’ of the tournament. Playing under the highly motivational captaincy of David Warner, SRH has produced highly inspiring performances and have literally punched above their weights to earn the knockout berths.

AB de Villiers’s fighting knock prevented Gujarat Lions from defending 158 in Qualifier 1. There would be a slight disappointment in the GL camp though. On a batting paradise like Bangalore, the Lions’ Dhawal Kulkarni had almost sealed the deal for his team before the AB played an innings which h described as “a million times better than any hundred.” However, the table toppers in the league stage, still have one last chance to make to the final when they clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Sunrisers Hyderabad:

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s strength has been their bowling attack. SRH’s bowling attack has been the most challenging face in the tournament. The pace-heavy attack led by ‘purple cap’ holder Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Barinder Sran and Mustafizur Rahman share 50 wickets among themselves. They have hunted in packs, dominating oppositions like no other bowling attack did in this season. They will be the key for SRH’s chance of making it to the finals.

The batting line-up has been largely dependent on David Warner more or less. Warner, the second highest run-getter of the tournament, has been the backbone of the team. The past couple of matches have been lukewarm for him but a big knock may be on its way from Warner. Similar things can be predicted from his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan also looks in good form despite not been able to score big in the last game. The rest of the team comprises of quality all-rounders like Yuvraj Singh, Deepak Hooda, and Moises Henriques who will have important roles to play.

Gujarat Lions:

With Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum, Gujarat lions have the one most explosive opening batsmen in their line-up. Unfortunately, both have been calm which has hurt the team plans hugely. A breezy start from the duo will lay a platform for the rest of the batsmen to cash in. Raina also has one more option at the top. Dwayne Smith can be moved to the top, replacing Aaron Finch. But, considering the importance of the game, he might not opt for such changes. A meaningful knock is still due from Dinesh Kartik who has had a quite mediocre season with the bat. Tomorrow can be the perfect occasion for it.

Raina will also be itching to put up a blazing show. All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Dwayne Bravo must look to create a larger impact with the bat. Also, with the Kotla track playing slow last game, both can be the vital with the ball as well. Dhawal Kulkarni, the 4th highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 18 scalps, would like to emulate the magical bowling performance he produced against RCB. Shadab Jakati may have to sit after being expensive in the last game. he will make way for either Praveen Tambe or Shivil Kaushik.

Probable XI:

Sunrisers Hyderabad:

Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner (C), Naman Ojha (WK), Yuvraj Singh, Moises Henriques, Deepak Hooda, Ben Cutting, Bipul Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Barinder Sran, Mustafizur Rahman

Gujarat Lions:

Aaron Finch, Brendon McCullum, Suresh Raina (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Dwayne Smith, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Eklavya Dwivedi, Praveen Kumar, Shadab Jakati/Praveen tambe/Shivil kaushik, Dhawal Kulkarni

Stats:

• Gujarat Lions have won eight out of 10 matches while chasing, but just one out of five matches when batting first
• Mustafizur Rahman has the best economy rate (7.28) in the end overs (overs 16-20), among all bowlers who have bowled at least six overs during this period

Also, read – 5 Players to watch out for in the IPL 9 Qualifier 2