Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 43 of the Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

KXIP are coming into this game on the back of their three successive wins against Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI), who are currently placed in the top half of the points table.

On the other hand, SRH, halted their three-match losing streak after they beat Rajasthan Royals (RR) on the back of Manish Pandey’s 47-ball 83*, Vijay Shankar’s half-century and Jason Holder’s solid show with the ball.

In these two teams’ last meeting, the David Warner-led unit beat KL Rahul and Co by 69 runs. While SRH will be eager to have an encore of that performance, KXIP will be eyeing their fourth win on the bounce. As both the teams look to continue their winning run, here are the players who could tip the balance of the match.

Nicholas Pooran

While he was involved in a couple of mix-ups, one of which ended in Mayank Agarwal’s dismissal, Nicholas Pooran made up for it and did so in some style, slamming 53 off 28 balls against DC. The left-hander cleared the ropes with utter ease and was effective against the spin and pace. The West Indian will once again be someone that KL Rahul will bank on against SRH.

Manish Pandey

With SRH seeking a much-needed win against RR, Manish Pandey set the stage on fire. The right-hander slammed 4 fours and 8 sixes and hammered 83* off 47 balls to power SRH to a victory. Pandey will once again be crucial to his team’s fortune as they take on KXIP.

Mohammad Shami

With 16 wickets against his name from 10 matches, Mohammad Shami is currently KXIP’s leading wicket-taker. The KXIP bowling spearhead has been bowling well and picked six wickets across the last three matches, including the game against MI where he defended 5 runs in the first Super Over before KXIP sealed a thrilling win. The right-arm pacer will be key to KXIP’s fortunes as they take on the likes of David Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Manish Pandey amongst others.

Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar picked a wicket and then scored a match-winning half-century while putting in an unbeaten 140-run partnership with Manish Pandey in the chase. While he did not try to match Manish shot for shot, the all-rounder did a fine job, helping SRH cross the finish line. His side will expect him to repeat that performance.

Jason Holder

Playing his first game of the season, Jason Holder returned with the figures of 3/33 against Rajasthan Royals. The West Indian all-rounder bowled at the top as well as at the death and picked wickets at the either end of the innings. Additionally, he also affected a Ben Stokes run-out. As SRH look to seal their second successive win, they will want Holder to put his hand up and deliver once again.

Wild Card

Glenn Maxwell

While he has done a fine job with the ball over the last few games for KXIP, Glenn Maxwell also scored a crucial 32, putting up a crucial 67-run stand with Nicholas Pooran. His return amongst runs will be a pleasing sight for KXIP and if the Big Show lives up to his big-hitting reputation against SRH, KXIP will be in with a chance to register their fifth win of the season. 

Stats

• KXIP at this venue: Played 7, Won 4, Lost 3
• SRH at this venue: Played 8, Won 5, Lost 3

Approaching Milestones

• Chris Gayle needs 36 runs to complete 1000 IPL runs for KXIP.
• Glenn Maxwell requires 13 runs to complete 1500 IPL runs.
• Manish Pandey needs 77 runs to complete 1000 IPL runs for SRH.
• Sandeep Sharma is a wicket away from completing 100 IPL wickets.