Rajasthan Royals (RR) will look to seal their second successive win while Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be eager to return to winning ways as the two teams square off in Match 40 of the Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in Dubai on Thursday.

RR, who have four wins from ten matches, are coming into this game on the back of their seven-wicket victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). On the other hand, SRH have three wins to their name from nine matches. The David Warner-led side came close to win their last game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) before the latter secured a win in the Super Over.

Coming to the head-to-head contest between RR and SRH, the last time these two sides faced each other this season, RR came out on top on the back of a sensational 85-run partnership between Rahul Tewatia and Riyan Parag. RR will target the same result while SRH will look to avenge that loss. This makes for a fascinating contest and here are the players who could decide the outcome of the match.

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler did not keep wickets during RR’s game against Chennai Super Kings but held on to two catches before playing a match-winning knock of 70 not out off 48 balls to help his side seal a 7-wicket win. The right-hander will once again be pivotal for RR as they look to keep their playoffs hopes alive.

David Warner

David Warner did not open the innings during his side’s last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but almost guided his team home with an unbeaten 47 before the game headed to a Super Over. The SRH skipper is currently the leading run-getter for his team and he will be eager to continue his contribution with the bat and power his team to a win.

Spin duo of Shreyas Gopal-Rahul Tewatia

He had just one wicket to show for his efforts, but Shreyas Gopal’s bowling efforts – 4-0-14-1 – against CSK helped RR keep the things tight. The leg-spinner was ably supported by a fellow leggie, Rahul Tewatia, who picked a wicket conceding just 18 runs in 4 overs in RR’s last game. While RR will seek another such performance from the duo, they will also be looking for another sensational Tewatia show with the bat.

Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson was hobbling after falling awkwardly during SRH’s game against KKR. However, the New Zealand skipper did not let that hamper his batting and scored an attractive 29 to set the tone for SRH’s innings. While SRH could not close out the game, the right-hander, if fit, will be eager to play a role as SRH seek a winning return.

Steve Smith

While he did not find run-scoring easy against CSK, Steve Smith made sure he stays put and gives Buttler a good company to guide RR to a victory. The RR skipper will be looking for more runs and more dominant performance as his team faces SRH.

Wild Card

Jonny Bairstow

If Jonny Bairstow sets the ball rolling at the top with his batting heroics, SRH will be in with a chance to post a formidable total or chase down a target. The England wicketkeeper-batsman has had starts in the last two games, scoring 36 vs KKR and 23 vs CSK, but could not convert them into a big score. However, Bairstow has delivered for SRH in the past and hence, the side will bank on him as it faces RR.

Stats

• Head to head
  Matches: 12, RR wins: 6, SRH wins: 6
• RR at this venue: Played 5, Won 1, Lost 4
• SRH at this venue: Played 7, Won 4, Lost 3

Approaching Milestones

• Sanju Samson needs 55 runs to complete 2500 IPL runs.
• Robin Uthappa requires 1 four to complete 450 IPL runs.
• Sandeep Sharma is a wicket away from completing 100 IPL wickets.
• Kane Williamson requires 1 six and 17 runs respectively to complete 50 IPL sixes and 1500 IPL runs.