IPL 2020 – Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad taking place? Thursday 8th October, 2020 – 15:00 (UK)
Where is Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad taking place? Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
What is the expected weather for Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad? 36c sunny
Where can I get tickets for Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad? IPL 2020 matches will be played without spectators to begin with but the official IPL website will update fans if this situation changes
What channel is Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad on? Sky Sports will be televising this match
Where can I stream Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad? Sky Sports subscribers will be able to stream the match live vis the Sky Go website or app
THE TEAM NEWS
KINGS XI PUNJAB
- Kings XI are at a crunch stage right now having lost their last three matches and if they are going to challenge for the knockout places, they desperately need to snap that run and pick up a win here.
- The team are suffering a little bit like the Sunrisers did last year as while they have an in-form opening partnership in KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal, the middle is undercooked and their big-hitters are not getting enough time at the crease so the onus is on the two openers to score quicker and take more risks arguably.
- Chris Jordan came back in last time out and struggled going for 42 from his three overs but he needs a run in the side to build some momentum so it will be interesting to see if he keeps his place or they chop and change once again.
SUNRISERS HYDERABAD
- Sunrisers Hyderabad come off a 34-run defeat at the hands of Mumbai Indians last time out but they will not be too disheartened after winning their two previous games and they will be confident against this struggling Kings XI side.
- While they fell to defeat, their batting produced their highest score of the tournament so far with their 174/7 so there will be some positives to take although they are going to have to improve that again if they are to compete for a top four spot.
- They are slightly restricted by changes they can make unless they decide to drop Kane Williamson as their bowling unit is somewhat weak with the injured Bhuvneshwar Kumar and with their batsmen not scoring enough, that is leaving them vulnerable so they may be tempted to bring an all-rounder in like Jason Holder.
THE PREDICTION
Neither of these teams are particularly convincing right now and it is looking unlikely that either will make the final four unless their players can hit top form. Sunrisers Hyderabad are not helped by the news that Bhuvneshwar Kumar is out for the tournament and their bowling attack looks particularly weak now. They arguably have the weakest set of local players and that is piling the pressure on their overseas stars. King XI are much more well rounded and while they have a knack of losing right now, they are not far away from getting a win. This could well be the perfect opportunity for them in Kumar’s absence and expect them to snap a three-match losing streak here.
