IPL 8 Preview: KKR face burning question – How to stop David Warner?

David Warner is in brilliant touch and leading SRH from the front. (Source: PTI)

This is a massive game for both teams. Kolkata are in top four with nine points from as many matches. Hyderabad have eight with a game in hand.

KKR (Lost to RCB)

What went wrong: The rub of the green didn’t go their way against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kolkata Knight Riders lost the toss and were asked to bat first. Then, rain came down, reducing the contest to 10 overs per side. It became almost a lottery and the defending champions ended up losing it. In fact, three of Kolkata’s last five matches were rain-affected. They lost two, in Hyderabad and Bangalore, and shared spoils with Rajasthan Royals at home.

What went right: Andre Russell is Kolkata’s most improved cricketer this season. He has become an impact player, scoring 230 runs in eight matches at an average of 57.50. The strike-rate is astounding, 198.27. The big Jamaican has been steady with the ball as well, taking eight wickets at an economy rate of 7.54.

SRH (bt csk)

What went right: Hyderabad’s captain fantastic is leading from the front. David Warner scored yet another half-century against Chennai, 61 off 28 balls, and set up the victory. With 378 runs from eight matches (strike-rate 161.53). As far as bowling is concerned, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is steadily getting back into peak shape. He’s bowling his yorkers with terrific consistency.

Moises Henriques, however, was Hyderabad’s best bowler in the last game, taking 2/20 and choking Chennai in the middle overs.

What went wrong: Time has come for Hyderabad middle-order to offer support to Warner. Once again, their batting fizzled after the Australian got out. A total in excess of 200 was there for the taking against Chennai. Hyderabad, however, lost four wickets for 36 runs at the back end of their innings and finished at 192/7.

Conclusion

This is a massive game for both teams. Kolkata are in top four with nine points from as many matches. Hyderabad have eight with a game in hand. A win will make them a serious contender for playoffs. Beating Kolkata in their lair, however, would be one heck of a task. Dale Steyn for Trent Boult might be a good option.

Source:: Indian Express