Match 40 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 will feature a heated match as Rajasthan Royals will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The contention for that number 4 spot on the points table is very much on and it’s going to be competitive! Both RR and SRH have to win all their remaining matches to solidify a place in the playoffs. The loser, therefore, will have to win their remaining matches with a healthy run rate and depend on other teams to make it further.
RR is coming off a great win over the Chennai Super Kings. SRH, on the other hand, is coming off a close super over loss against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Rajasthan Royals
Better late than never, the Royals have finally found a decent combination. They had come really close to a win in their previous matches against the Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore but botched at the end. Finally, they were able to put up a solid performance against CSK.
The change in their batting lineup has worked out fairly well. With skipper Steve Smith and Jos Buttler taking care of the middle-order, the top order can play freely. Ben Stokes and Sanju Samson will have to gain some form and contribute for them to qualify. Their bowlers are doing good with Jofra Archer, Karthik Tyagi, Shreyas Gopal, and Rahul Tewatia in decent form.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Interestingly like the Royals, SRH played a similar gamble as skipper David Warner took the responsibility of batting in the middle-order. They opened with Kane Williamson so that he could get a chance to bat more freely. The gamble almost paid off as SRH almost pulled off a victory. However, the scores tied and they lost in the super over.
Fantasy XI team
DAVID WARNER (10.5) (C) – David Warner has been in phenomenal form and has been consistent as well. He’ll be my captain.
JOS BUTTLER (9.5) (VC) – Buttler is coming off scoring a great 70 off just 48 balls against CSK. He’ll be our vice-captain.
JOHNNY BAIRSTOW (10) – After what he did few matches ago against KXIP, he makes a way in our team. However, he’ll have to be more consistent.
STEVE SMITH (9.5) – Skipper Steve Smith has been fairly consistent. He can turn the tables anytime he goes to bat!
RAHUL TEWATIA (9.5) – IPL 2020 has been Tewatia’s tournament so far. He has been a great finisher and match-winner for the Royals.
VIJAY SHANKAR (8) – He can score handy runs with the bat and can also give 2-3 solid overs.
PRIYAM GARG (8) – The U-19 fame can hit some big shots in the middle-order.
JOFRA ARCHER (9.5) – Archer looked in a great rhythm and is among the leading wicket-takers of the season.
RASHID KHAN (9.5) – The Dubai pitch will offer some assistance to Rashid Khan.
SHREYAS GOPAL (8.5) – Gopal has been in good form and the Dubai pitch will assist him.
KARTIK TYAGI (8) – The U-19 fame impressed everyone with his speed. He has a good short ball as well with which he took the wicket of Quinton De Kock in his IPL debut.
PREDICTION
Rajasthan Royals are clearly looking more balanced at the moment. Even though they’ve made changes, they have adapted. Also, keeping in mind the Dubai surface, in form Shreyas Gopal and Rahul Tewatia are expected to get some assistance. Rajasthan Royals will therefore defeat the Sunrisers Hyderabad
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