IPL 2024, Qualifier 1: SRH Win Toss, Opt To Bat First Against KKR; Check Playing XIs

Ahmedabad: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs kick off tonight with a blockbuster clash between table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

KKR, mentored by Gautam Gambhir, have been a dominant force this season, topping the table with 9 wins from 14 matches. Sunil Narine has been their standout performer, supported by key players like Varun Chakravarthy, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, and Shreyas Iyer. Despite occasional setbacks in their bowling department, KKR’s balanced side has consistently delivered when needed.

Meanwhile, Pat Cummins’ SRH have impressed with a formidable batting lineup, known for its aggressive approach. Although their primary strategy has been to set targets, they have also executed successful chases, notably against LSG and PBKS. Travis Head has been a standout, amassing 553 runs and ranking as the third-highest scorer this season.

KKR hold an advantage in their head-to-head record against SRH, leading 17-9. Their previous encounter this season was a nail-biter, with KKR narrowly defending a 209-run target.

The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to favour batters, potentially leading to a high-scoring match. With no rain forecast, conditions should be ideal for cricket.

Playing XIs

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins(c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, T Natarajan

SRH Impact Subs: Sanvir Singh, Umran Malik, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Jaydev Unadkat

Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer(c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

KKR Impact Subs: Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Nitish Rana, KS Bharat, Sherfaine Rutherford