IPL 2024: Predicting SRH’s Playing XI for their clash against PBKS

In this article, we will discuss the IPL 2024 for the Predicting SRH’s Playing XI for their clash against PBKS. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to lock horns in Match 69 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. SRH have already qualified for the playoffs, but they need two more points to be in the hunt for a top-two finish in the league stage.

A win against PBKS and Rajasthan Royals (RR) losing their last league match will see SRH finish second and play Qualifier 1 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Meanwhile, PBKS are already eliminated from the tournament and they will be looking to end their disappointing campaign on a positive note. 

When the two teams met earlier this season, SRH won by two runs off the last ball of the innings. Expect another thrilling encounter between the two on Sunday (May 19) afternoon at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Here is Sunrisers Hyderabad’s predicted Playing XI vs PBKS in IPL 2024, Match 69:

Openers: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma

If the PBKS bowlers managed to get rid of these two early on, 60% of their work is done. Both the left-handers are in superb form and have earned the tag of one of the most dangerous openers in IPL history. It’s hard to stop them when they are on song.

Head is currently the third leading run-scorer with 533 runs at an average of 53.30 and a staggering strike rate of 201.89. On the other hand, Abhishek has scored 401 runs at 36.45 and a strike rate of 205.64. It will be interesting to see how the PBKS bowlers will stop these two.

Middle-order: Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Abdul Samad

The two openers would do maximum damage in the first six overs and Heinrich Klaasen would arrive later in the innings to put the final nail in the coffin. Be it spin or pace, the Proteas big-hitter will look to smash every ball out of the park. His presence in the middle order has always been a boon for SRH.

Abdul Samad, who bats in the lower middle order, did not get many opportunities this time. However, it is safe to say that the right-hander failed to amuse on those limited occasions. SRH will be hoping for more contributions from the power-hitter as the tournament enters its crucial phase.

All-rounders: Nitish Reddy, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sanvir Singh

Nitish Reddy has had a great start to his IPL career. The 20-year-old has showcased his batting prowess several times, especially when the team is in trouble. A good example of this is when SRH collapsed against PBKS in the previous encounter, Reddy’s 37-ball 64 saved them. He also took a wicket in the second innings and won the Player of the Match award.

Not sure why RCB let go of Shahbaz Ahmed. He has done a decent job for RCB over the last few years and continues to impress with the bat and bowl for SRH this year. Sanvir Singh has played only a handful of matches and we are yet to see the Punjab all-rounder’s full potential.

Bowlers: Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande

SRH’s pace attack looks good, especially with Bhuvneshwar Kumar finding his vintage-style form. The veteran pacer will look to use his swing magic to pick up some early wickets in the powerplay. Other tools in their pace arsenal are captain Pat Cummins, Jaydev Unadkat and impact player T Natarajan.

Left-arm pacer Natarajan is currently their leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets. Cummins is just behind him with 14 scalps. Leg-spinner Mayank Markande is their specialist spinner who will have assistance from Shahbaz in the middle overs.

SRH XI: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sanvir Singh, Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande

Impact Substitute: T Natarajan