IPL 2020: David Warner-led Sunrisers Hyderabad can still qualify for playoffs – Here's how

With five wins in 12 matches, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are currently placed sixth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 table with 10 points. The David Warner-led side remained alive in the race to the playoffs by thrashing Delhi Capitals (DC) by 88 runs on Tuesday.

After being asked to bat first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, Warner and Wriddhiman Saha led SRH to a brilliant start. The duo took SRH to 77 for no loss at the end of the sixth over. Warner not only completed his third fifty of IPL 2020 but also led SRH to their third-highest powerplay score in the IPL. Warner, who got out for 66 from 34 balls, reached the 50-run mark off just 25 balls. The SRH captain, who turned 34 on Tuesday, went after DC fast bowler Kagiso Rabada. The South African pacer came into the attack to bowl the final over of the powerplay and Warner, batting on 32 from 20, was at the strike. The Australian explosive batsman struck Rabada for two consecutive fours, followed by a six before he struck three more boundaries to take 22 runs off that over.

After Warner's dismissal, Saha went on to do the job as he brought SRH's innings back on track along with Manish Pandey on the other end. Saha hammered 12 boundaries and two sixes in his knock of 87 from 45 balls as he helped SRH to 219 for 2 in 20 overs. During the chase, SRH pacer Sandeep Sharma drew first blood as he removed Shikhar Dhawan, leaving DC at 1 for 1. With 36 from 35, Rishabh Pant top-scored as DC were bowled out in 19 overs.

Here's the points table after KXIP vs SRH – Match No. 43 of IPL 2020:

https://www.iplt20.com/points-table/2020

Can SRH still qualify for the playoffs of IPL 2020 in the UAE? Yes.

SRH have two matches left in the group stage, and the Warner-led side have to win all two fixtures.

SRH's upcoming two group matches:

Vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Sharjah on Oct. 31

Vs Mumbai Indians (MI) in Sharjah on Nov. 3

Even if SRH win all the above matches, they are not assured of a place in the top four. By winning their remaining group matches, SRH can maximum reach 14 points. With the loss to SRH on Tuesday, DC have dropped to third place in the points table with 14 points in 12 matches. Virat Kohli's side also have 14 points, but due to a superior net run-rate, they are placed second in the table. Mumbai Indians (MI) are at the top of table with 14 points but boast a far higher net run-rate than DC and RCB.

Fifth-placed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have secured 12 points and have only two fixtures remaining in the group stage and KXIP, who are in fourth place, have 12 points with two remaining group matches. Among the fourth, fifth, and sixth sides, only SRH have a positive net run-rate, which could eventually help them to edge past the other two sides at the end of the group stage.

Firstly, SRH have to win all of their upcoming three matches. And, for SRH to qualify, KXIP and KKR cannot win all their remaining matches. Even if KKR manage to win two out of their next three games, SRH will not qualify for IPL 2020's playoffs.

After the win over DC on Tuesday, SRH captain, Warner said, "He game before, we were disappointed with that chase. We defended last game, and with two world-class bowlers in Nortje and Rabada we decided to go after it. I went a little in 2009 and opened my front leg to take it on. I took a bit of responsibility at the top of the order, and take it to the bowlers. It's tough to play orthodox cricket in these conditions, so I have to open up 360 degrees."

Difficult decision to leave Jonny out and get Saha in, and especially batting a batsman like Kane at 4. It was an incredible knock from Saha though and his strike-rate in the powerplay was incredible. Unfortunately, he's got a little groin niggle but hopefully, it isn't too bad. Shankar has a hamstring issue as well. As for Rashid, it is incredible that he's taking so many wickets and not going for runs, especially given the dew and the moisture here. We've got games at Sharjah to go so hopefully we can put on a show there," added Warner at the post-match presentation.

SRH have a three-day break before they take on RCB on Saturday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.