In a significant fixture of IPL 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are gearing up to clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a match that holds immense importance for playoff contention. Despite their aspirations for a victory in their final home game on Sunday against Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad cannot ensure themselves a top-two finish in the ongoing Indian Premier League season 2024.
This season marks a remarkable turnaround for Sunrisers Hyderabad, clinching a playoff berth for the first time in three years. After enduring three lackluster seasons, the Orange Army has emerged as formidable contenders for the IPL title in the current edition of the cash-rich league.
Sunrisers Hyderabad sealed their spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs following their abandoned home fixture against Gujarat Titans, due to inclement weather conditions in Hyderabad on Thursday. With both teams earning a point from the washed-out affair, Hyderabad amassed a total of 15 points, securing their playoff berth. However, their final league standing hinges on finishing either third or second.
A victory over Punjab Kings would see Pat Cummins and his men amass a maximum of 17 points. Nonetheless, their league position is contingent on the outcomes of other matches. If Rajasthan Royals, currently winless, manage to outclass Kolkata Knight Riders in their final league fixture, they could potentially relegate Sunrisers Hyderabad to third place in the standings.
Presently ranked third in the IPL 2024 standings, Sunrisers Hyderabad have experienced a mixed bag of results in their recent outings, registering victories in just two of their last six encounters. Their most recent completed fixture was against Lucknow Super Giants, where Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma‘s blistering partnership propelled SRH to a commanding 10-wicket win. Travis Head, in particular, has been in red-hot form, vying with Virat Kohli for the Orange Cap with 533 runs in 11 matches.
Ahead of the clash against Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad will bank on Abhishek Sharma’s explosive batting and the all-round prowess of Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has been a revelation for the team this season.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, already ousted from playoff contention, will miss the services of their stand-in skipper Sam Curran. Jitesh Sharma will lead the side in Curran’s absence as they aim to play spoilsport for Sunrisers Hyderabad’s playoff ambitions.
