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Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2016, Eliminator at Delhi: Likely XI for KKR

Sunrisers Hyderabad finished 3rd while Kolkata Knight Riders finished 4th in IPL standings

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Kolkata Knight Riders are aiming to win their 3rd IPL title © IANS
Kolkata Knight Riders are aiming to win their 3rd IPL title © IANS

Aiming to become the first team to win IPL thrice, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad  (SRH) in a eliminator at Delhi. Both the teams finished on 16 points in the group stages, but an inferior Net Run Rate of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) meant they finished 3rd and 4th respectively. Both the teams have the skipper leading from the front, in form of David Warner and Gautam Gambhir being the leading run-scorers for their side respectively. While SRH have mainly relied on their potent bowling line-up, KKR have been hugely reliant on individual displays. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2016 playoffs, Eliminator at Delhi

For KKR, Andre Russell has missed the last two games and is most likely to be back for this all-important tie. KKR over the season have had a steady batting unit, but their bowling unit has been disrupted by injuries and poor form. Yet, in this do or die clash, they will need to play a perfect XI to beat a tough side. Let’s look at probable XI for KKR:

Top Order: The settled top order has best top unit for KKR this season, despite not reaching the usual heights. While skipper Gambhir has been in terrific nick, his partner Robin Uthappa has been ‘hot and cold’. Yet both the batsmen will be pumped up for this important eliminator. At No.3, Manish Pandey has a reason to perform. If the opening pair fails to go all gun blazing, Pandey takes over from the where the task was left by the opening duo.

Middle Order: The biggest plus for KKR this season has been the form of Yusuf Pathan. A player who can change the game on his given day, Pathan has shown consistency on past few outings. He has already amassed 359 runs at an extraordinary average of 89.75 and strike rate of 148.34. Another batsmen who has managed to show his batting skills is vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav. While the form of Pathan has seen him getting batting down, he is still capable of hammering a few blows.

Shakib Al Hasan can be termed disappointing in KKR’s season, barring his strong record breaking partnership along with Pathan in the middle against Gujarat Lions (GL). Much was expected of the Bangladeshi all-rounder, but with 114 runs at a strike rate of 107.54 and 5 wickets from 10 matches, he has flattered to deceive. And finally, the superstar of the team Russell might feature. Despite missing last two games through injury, Russell has by far been the best player in the KKR team. His impact with both and ball has been tremendous, and expect him to make inroads in this game.

Lower Order: KKR will be buoyed by the fact Sunil Narine is back into the game. After his change in action, his first few outings were a bit of struggle. But looks like the old Narine is back in KKR. He will be the spearhead when it comes to spin attack. The Indian duo of Ankit Rajpoot and Kuldeep Yadav are expected to feature, considering their recent bowling displays. Yadav especially was brilliant against SRH, taking 2 for 28 after four overs. The final spot may see a fight off between Jason Holder and Morne Morkel. Morkel has not been at his mercurial best, whereas Holder haven’t received enough chances. But in a crucial game, expect the South African to edge the West Indian for his experience.

Kolkata Knight Riders likely XI: Gautam Gambhir (c), Robin Uthappa (wk), Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav, Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Morne Morkel/Jason Holder, Kuldeep Yadav, Ankit Rajpoot, Sunil Narine

 

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