The first six overs of both innings in the Qualifier 1 will be crucial for Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, given their fearsome striking ability in the powerplay. In what is set to be a mouthwatering clash, KKR will take on SRH as both teams eye to seal their spot in the finals, one step closer to their end of their hunt for another trophy.
Battle of powerplay to determine KKR vs SRH winner
Both KKR and SRH have been phenomenal in the powerplay throughout IPL, thanks to their openers. KKR have scored at a rate of 11.09 in the first six overs of the matches so far, slightly behind SRH.
Sunil Narine has aced his role at the top of the order, top-scoring for KKR in the current tournament with 461 runs to his name and strike rate of 182.93. His partner Phil Salt also played a huge part in providing the perfect start for the side with Narine, launching a vicious assault on the opposition bowlers. KKR will miss the services of Salt, who has returned to England to prepare for the Pakistan series and T20 World Cup.
| Opener | Runs | Strike Rate |
| Sunil Narine | 258 | 173.15 |
| Phil Salt | 296 | 185 |
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For SRH, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have been the gems on the crown when it comes to the powerplay. Scoring at a rate of 11.79 in the powerplay, the duo of Head-Sharma have already etched their name in history by recording the highest powerplay score. In numbers, it translates to 125 runs in just 36 deliveries. The second highest powerplay score also belongs to the Orange Army – 107 runs against LSG. KKR held the record previously – 105 runs vs RCB in 2017.
Head is currently the third highest run-getter in the tournament, with 533 runs to his name and a strike rate of 201.13. His partner Abhishek Sharma has 467 runs to his name at a strike rate of 209.41.
| Opener | Runs | Strike rate |
| Travis Head | 386 | 218.07 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 326 | 210.32 |
KKR’s form in IPL 2024
Kolkata Knight Riders have finished on top of the points table, with 20 points to their name and a net run rate of +1.428. The Knight Riders were on a four-match winning streak before their last two games were abandoned due to rain, paving their way to the top of the points table. Shreyas Iyer and co. have lost only three matches in their IPL 2024 campaign.
SRH form in IPL 2024
Under the leadership of new skipper Pat Cummins, SRH have fared exceptionally well in the current season. The team has seen tremendous contributions from all quarters of the squad, with the openers playing a crucial role throughout the tournament. They finished 2nd on the points table with 17 points to their name. They have won eight matches and have lost five and boast of a NRR of 0.414.
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