Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings, September 30 2021, 7:30 PM IST
A quick look at Sunrisers Hyderabad’s social media accounts would make you wonder if those celebrations back at the hotel after their previous game were over the top. But it just signalled relief more than anything else. This is a franchise that isn’t really used to settling for mediocrity.
Having made the playoffs every time since 2016, SRH found the going tough this season and are rotting at the bottom with just two wins. But all is not lost as the table suggests. Even though they need favours from the Top 3, SRH will have to win their remaining games in the first place to remain in the race for a playoff spot.
They were in a very tricky situation last time around as well and had to win their final three games in order to go through. But the players did step up when it mattered the most and got the job done with wins over teams that eventually finished in the Top 3.
Their move to leave out some of the senior players in favour of the youth did pay off against Rajasthan Royals as SRH managed to end their losing streak that stretched to five games. Jason Holder’s addition has been a huge boost since last year and Jason Roy had a memorable debut for the franchise as he managed to fill in the shoes of David Warner.
However, their task immediately gets harder as they come up against the high-flying Chennai Super Kings. Their fortunes have completely been in contrast to that of SRH. CSK have won all three games post the tournament’s resumption and have lost only twice so far this season.
One more win will now guarantee their spot in the playoffs. On paper, this contest does look like a mismatch considering the recent form guide and their respective positions on the points table but SRH very well know that if they play their cards right, they can win this.
Where: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
What to expect: Unfortunately for the fans, sixes haven’t been raining in Sharjah like expected earlier. In what’s been a total contrast to the last season, Sharjah has produced some slow wickets and both teams will have to make good use of the powerplay.
Head to Head: SRH 4 – 11 CSK
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis made merry when these two sides faced off earlier this season. And Ruturaj in particular has looked in good touch in the UAE leg as well since resumption.
Who will win?
CSK. That’s it. CSK are playing remarkably and unlike PBKS, they don’t choke. So, my guess is this match won’t be as thrilling as others and CSK will win it by a huge margin.
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