Sunrisers Hyderabad have the momentum
Sunrisers Hyderabad have booked their rightful place in the qualifier. A unit that has consistently punched above their weight find themselves at the cusp of making another final. Form, momentum and rhythm all seem to be in favour of the former champions over Delhi who seem to have lost their mojo.
Individual brilliance can make any prediction go through the window in this format. Delhi will only be hoping for Shikhar Dhawan to have a run-filled day and Ravichandran Ashwin to come good with the ball, especially during Powerplay. Delhi’s balanced attack against Hyderabad batting will be an enthralling contest.
Skipper David Warner will continue to hold the key. With Wriddhiman Saha, the Aussie has given bludgeoning starts that have pushed the opponents far back. The rest of the top and middle order is a bit brittle and that is an area Delhi will try to make inroads into.
In Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, Delhi have two new ball merchants who have picked wickets but not necessarily in the first six overs. This is where the contribution of Ashwin is vital. In short the outcome could largely be based on what happens at the start when Hyderabad bats.
Kane Williamson and Jason Holder bring in loads experience and more importantly a calm head in the middle overs. In Sandeep Sharma and Rashid Khan there are two bowlers who posses the knack of getting a wicket at any juncture. Thangarasu Natarajan has responded brilliantly to his captain’s demands making this easily the best attack of the tournament.
If I was to pick Delhi’s XI, I will definitely bring in Shimron Hetmyer to boost the middle order. The think-tank have to identify an Indian option for seamer Daniel Sams, in order to give the side a better chance of upstaging a side that is on a roll.
Having persisted with Prithvi Shaw, I don’t see any reason to discontinue at this point. It’s a gamble, let the youngster go and hit his way back to form, if it comes off, he will be handing over a huge advantage to his side.
As fielding units, there is little to choose, the ebb and flow of this game will be interesting. In approach, attitude and method these two teams are poles apart and that makes this match-up riveting. (TCM)