IPL 2023: RCB vs SRH Match Preview and Predictions

As the IPL 2023 season heats up, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepares to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a crucial match at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, boasts a strong record this season, with Virat Kohli shining as a key player. In contrast, SRH has struggled but aims to finish their campaign on a high note. This article delves into match details, pitch conditions, head-to-head statistics, and predictions, providing fans with a comprehensive overview of what to expect in this exciting encounter.
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IPL 2023: RCB vs SRH Match Preview and Predictions

Match Overview

In the 65th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium located in Lucknow.


Royal Challengers Bengaluru Insights

Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB has shown impressive performance this season, accumulating 17 points from 12 matches. Virat Kohli has been a key player, scoring 505 runs in 11 matches, including four consecutive half-centuries, and is just 67 runs away from reaching 9,000 IPL runs. The team has strengthened its lineup by adding Tim Seifert and Blessing Muzarabani, who replace Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi, respectively. RCB boasts an impressive away record with six consecutive victories, and their bowling unit has excelled during the powerplay overs.


Sunrisers Hyderabad Overview

SRH, captained by Pat Cummins, has faced difficulties this season, securing only four wins out of 12 matches. However, Abhishek Sharma has been a standout performer, achieving a record-breaking score of 141 against Punjab Kings, marking the highest individual score by an Indian in IPL history. Travis Head is set to return to the squad after completing COVID-19 protocols, and Mohammad Shami is also in the mix for selection. With less pressure, SRH aims to conclude their campaign on a high note with a victory.


Match Details

RCB vs SRH Match Information
Venue Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium
Date and Time 23 May, 7:30 PM IST
Live Broadcast Star Sports
Live Streaming JioHotstar (app and website)


Pitch Analysis

The pitch at Ekana Cricket Stadium is anticipated to favor batsmen, although fast bowlers may find early assistance with the new ball. Once the initial overs are navigated, batsmen should have an easier time accumulating runs.


Head-to-Head Statistics

Head-to-Head Record - RCB vs SRH in IPL
Total Matches 24
Wins by Royal Challengers Bengaluru 11
Wins by Sunrisers Hyderabad 12
Tied Matches 1
No Result 0


Expected Playing XI

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma (Impact Subs: Mayank Agarwal, Rasikh Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Nuwan Thushara, Swapnil Singh)
  • Sunrisers Hyderabad: Pat Cummins (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Aniket Verma, Harsh Dubey, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, Harshal Patel, Eshan Malinga, Zeeshan Ansari (Impact Subs: Rahul Chahar, Sachin Baby, Simarjeet Singh, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Wiaan Mulder)


Toss Insights

Historical Toss-Winning Trends at the Venue

  • In the last five IPL matches at this venue, the teams winning the toss opted to bat only once, while they chose to bowl four times.

Benefits of Bowling First on This Pitch

  • Out of the last 21 IPL matches played here, teams batting first have won 8 times, while teams bowling first have secured 12 victories. Thus, chasing at this ground is a viable strategy, although it does not guarantee success, as the pitch tends to become more favorable for batsmen in the second innings. Overall, teams fielding first have a slight edge compared to those batting first.


Match Predictions

Scenario 1

  • Toss Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (opts to bowl first)
  • Power-Play Score: 45-50
  • SRH Total: 160-170
  • Match Winner: Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Scenario 2

  • Toss Winner: Sunrisers Hyderabad (opts to bowl first)
  • Power-Play Score: 50-55
  • RCB Total: 170-180
  • Match Winner: Sunrisers Hyderabad


Final Thoughts

The head-to-head statistics slightly favor SRH, but considering the current form of both teams, RCB appears to have the upper hand in this matchup.


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