Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match 55 Preview: Can the Knight Riders reach the playoffs?

The Kolkata Knight Riders find themselves in a bit of a pickle. Having played 13 games in this season, the Knight Riders will have to win their final match to have a chance of making it to the playoffs. 4 teams are having the same number of points with only their Net Run Rates separating them. The Knight Riders have a positive Net Run Rate and a win here against the Sunrisers Hyderabad should be good enough for them to make it to the playoffs.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad are sitting at the top of the table but they cannot take things easy as a loss against the Knight Riders and they could lose their number 1 position due to the Net Run Rate. The Sunrisers have not done themselves any favors by losing their previous match against the Delhi Daredevils. Having gathered 16 points and a positive Net Run Rate should be enough for the Sunrisers to get through to the playoffs, but then again, this season has been full of surprises.

Match Date and Time: 22 May 2016, 4 pm (IST)Match Venue: Eden Garden, Kolkata.

Weather:

Temperature: Max 36°C, Min 33°C

Humidity: Max 69%

Wind: 11 km per hour

Pitch Report: Par-score 170. Good batting wicket with help for the spinners.

In-Depth Analysis:

The Sunrisers let themselves down in the batting department yet again as only David Warner stood tall, scoring 73 runs of 56 deliveries against the Daredevils. Players like Deepak Hooda, Naman Ojha, and Eoin Morgan have been in poor form throughout this season and they will need to come good when their side needs them the most.

Star all-rounder Yuvraj Singh got out in a disappointing fashion as he has been on several occasions. If Yuvraj can bat with his true potential, then there are only a few bowlers in this world who can stop him. Hopefully for the Sunrisers, Yuvraj can get going against the tough Knight Riders bowlers.

With Ashish Nehra ruled out of this tournament, the Sunrisers had to bring in the leg-spinner Karn Sharma and he was less than effective against the Daredevils who had no trouble in picking his googlies. But on a wicket that supports the spinner, Karn Sharma could prove his worth for the Sunrisers and cement his place in the side with a good performance here.

The Kolkata Knight Riders were disappointing in their previous match against the Gujarat Lions. Their batting department had failed completely against a part-time bowler, losing 4 wickets in under 10 overs. Robin Uthappa has had a good season but he has been quiet in his past few matches. Uthappa has scored 358 runs in 13 innings, including 3 fifties in this season.

The middle order will have to step up their game and cannot rely only on Gambhir and Yusuf Pathan to get them to a good total each time. Especially with the loss of Andre Russell, players like Manish Pandey and Suryakumar Yadav will have to do their part in getting the Knight Riders across the line.

The bowling department suffered in the previous match against the Lions. Gambhir could let someone like Morne Morkel to bowl with the new ball and bring back Umesh Yadav to the side, who could provide some sting in the bowling unit.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad will be favorites against a depleted Knight Riders unit and they should make the most of the situation by eliminating competiton.