JOIN USHaving opened their account in the ongoing Indian Premier League, Sunrisers Hyderabad will bank on their new-found confidence when they face the acid test of taking on a formidable Chennai Super Kings here on Sunday.
Sunrisers Hyderabad started their IPL-7 campaign on a disappointing note, losing to Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab in their first two games, but managed to bounce back against Delhi Daredevils by notching up a narrow four-run win in Dubai on Friday night.
Hyderabad rode on the knocks of Aaron Finch (88) and David Warner (58), both of whom stitched a 128-run stand for the unconquered second wicket, and then restricted Delhi to 180 for four to record their first win of the season.
Come Sunday, Finch and Warner will be expected to repeat their exploits against a team that has been one of the most consistent sides in the cash-rich event. Skipper and opener Shikhar Dhawan is yet to click in the tournament and he would certainly be keen to demonstrate his batting prowess.
Their bowlers have done a reasonably good job. They had faired well against Rajasthan but could not withstand the Glenn Maxwell tide against Punjab. However, last night they managed to eke out a thrilling win with bowling spearhead Dale Steyn taking two for 33. Besides the South African, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has also been consistent.
Two-time champions Chennai Super Kings started their campaign with a loss to Kings XI Punjab, but they lived up to their reputation by storming back with back-to-back victories over Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals and defending champions Mumbai Indians. Going by their form, CSK will definitely start overwhelming favourites. They defeated Mumbai comprehensively with the in-from Brendon McCullum hitting a belligerent unbeaten 71 and CSK will rely on yet another flying start by the New Zealander along with his opening partner Dwayne Smith.