IPL 2021: PBKS vs SRH – Match 14, How can Sunrisers Hyderabad get their first win of the tournament today?

IPL 2021: PBKS vs SRH – Match 14, How can Sunrisers Hyderabad get their first win of the tournament today?

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have had a horror start to their Indian Premier League (IPL) season as they have lost their first three matches. The aforesaid three matches have followed a similar template as SRH have batted second and despite looking on course to chase down the total, their middle-order’s failure has led to them falling short. This has led to them being rock-bottom on the points table now.

They face Punjab Kings (PBKS) today who also have problems of their own to address. After a win in their first match, the side has lost their next two and now find themselves accompanying SRH in the bottom two positions. Thus, both sides would be desperate to get a win today.

On that note, we take a look at how SRH can get their first win of the tournament today.

IPL 2021: PBKS vs SRH – Key for SRH #1: Address middle order

Manish Pandey and Vijay Shankar
Manish Pandey and Vijay Shankar

This is as obvious as saying ‘water is wet’. SRH’s middle-order issues are there for the world to see. It was evident that this was their Achilles Heel and yet SRH haven’t done enough to address it. Having two of the best openers in the world in Jonny Bairstow and David Warner, the quality seems to drop immediately after their dismissals.

The middle-order must contribute and bat with intent today to ensure that they don’t lose their way. A change in personnel could help as well. If Kane Williamson comes in, it could be transformative but, his fitness status is unclear. Bringing in Kedar Jadhav or Jason Holder could be an option as well.

IPL 2021: PBKS vs SRH – Key for SRH #2: Don’t led PBKS’ top order get going

KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal
KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal

Punjab Kings are an extremely top-heavy side. Possessing just six proper batting options, it is mandatory for their top-order to fire lest they end up with a total like they did against Chennai Super Kings. KL Rahul has scored a majority of the side’s runs while Mayank Agarwal and Chris Gayle have made useful contributions.

If the trio is removed early, the cats will well and truly be among the pigeons. Thus, a huge role would be played today by the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed (if he plays) in sending back the top order early. If they do so, SRH would be on course to get their first win of the tournament.

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