Ahead of the IPL showdown between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals at the ACA-VDCA Stadium on Thursday, 16 April (6:30pm GST), we ask fans in the UAE of the respective teams to share their thoughts on how the match will pan out.

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Rajasthan Royals fan, Emaad Shaikh

Both sides are in good form to set up a fierce T20 clash. They are evenly matched on paper and are also even in their head-to-head record.

Looking at the records there is no such thing as a home team advantage when it comes to this fixture.

The Sunrisers played their last home game at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi which was won by the Royals by 4 wickets.

This will be the first match at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium between the two sides; the second home ground for the Sunrisers.

 

 

The stadium has always been a good batting wicket and has seen some high scoring games.

With the likes of Watson, Smith, Rahane, Hooda, Warner, Dhawan, Williamson and Rahul in their respective sides, we can expect plenty of big shots being hit all around the park on this batting paradise.

Let us not forget we will have the two spear-heads for the Black Caps during this World Cup, Southee and Boult going up against each other inclusive of the Aussie battle between the captains.

A good headache for the Royals staff with Watson claiming he is fit and available for the next game.

Prediction – A Royal win for the Royals.

Likely XI – Watson, Rahane, Smith, Samson, Binny, Nair, Faulkner, Hooda, Tambe, Kulkarni, Southee

Rajasthan player to watch – Deepak Hooda – Even though only 19 years old, he has started to become a crucial player for the Royals chipping in with either the bat or the bowl in all the three matches. But don’t forget that he is another product coming up from the youth ranks of Royals.

Sunrise player to watch – David Warner – Dangerous opening batsman who can single handedly take the game away from you. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad by Saqlain Choudry

The IPL has got off to a flying start with many close games but the suspense and tension is still rising as the Royals take on the Sunrisers. Sunrisers Hyderabad come into this game on the back of a morale boosting win over the Royal Challengers Bangalore and will look to continue their winning run, especially since they will be playing for the first time at their new home stadium in Visakhapatnam.

The Hyderabad bowlers were the stars in the victory over Royal Challengers and Tom Moody hopes the unbeaten run keeps on going. The bowlers in particular did a very good job with their accuracy and pace.

Paddy Upton’s men come into this game on the back of a thrilling victory over Mumbai Indians, and mentor Rahul Dravid will hope that his team continues their run. The Royals are still without their skipper Shane Watson, but stand-in captain Steve Smith has led the team from the front, as he hit the winning runs against the Mumbai Indians. Sensational knock.

 

 

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Prediction: Rajasthan Royals to win.

Likely XI: David Warner (C), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Naman Ojha (WK), Ravi Bopara, Kane Williamson, Parvez Rasool, Bhuvneshawar Kumar, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Ishant Sharma.

Possible XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Karun Nair, Steven Smith (C), Sanju Samson (WK), Stuart Binny, James Faulkner, Chris Morris, Tim Southee, Rajat Bhatia, Pravin Tambe, Dhawal Kulkarni.

Rajasthan player to watch: As an opposition, you have to fear the Australian World Cup winner, Smith and his ability to do anything spectacular regardless of the situation. His fascinating ability to stroke play or smash when needed proves he is a commendable gem for the Royals.

Sunrisers player to watch: The excellence and accuracy of New Zealand proves that Boult with lightening pace has the capability to do what the skipper asks but is a dangerous partnership breaker. Warner up front provides the team with a high run rate which brings in confidence for the other younger lads. A very dangerous player.