.jpg?fm=webp&h=800&q=80&w=1024&s=f8e0ecdd37dc32aedc39a729a0988490)
The Match 61 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 will be between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Gahunje, Pune on Saturday night. Both teams have a slim chance of making it to the Playoffs. However given their low tally of 10 points and their negative net run rates, they will look a for a big win tonight to keep their hopes alive.
Last time when these two teams met in the IPL 2022, Kolkata were in the middle of losing streak. This time, Hyderabad is in a similar situation, coming into this match after four successive defeats. Kolkata, on the other hand, have won two out of their last three matches.
With Pat Cummins no longer available for selection, Kolkata have to use their available resources more carefully. The Pune pitch helps the fast bowlers, and it will not be surprising if Shreyas Iyer uses Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell at the death.
Hyderabad is coming into this game after a five-day gap. The break has certainly helped their team to rejuvenate at this business end of the league. Washington Sundar and T. Natarajan are likely to be available for selection tonight, which will come as a relief for their struggling bowling attack.
Likely XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sam Billings (wk), Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Varun Chakravarthy
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Kane Williamson(c), Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Shashank Singh, Washington Sundar, T. Natarajan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Umran Malik
Fantasy tips
- With no Cummins, back Russell to bowl his full quota on that seamer-friendly Pune track.
- Following their middle-order collapse against Mumbai, Kolkata are likely to recall Sam Billings. If they do, pick him.
- Markram has been one of the most consistent batters for Hyderabad this season. Back him to do well in this crucial fixture.
Where to watch
Live streaming of Match 61 of IPL 2022 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will start from 7.30 PM IST on May 14. You can watch the match on the Star Sports Network and Hotstar.