IPL 2018: Five Players to Watch Out for in Qualifier 1st at Wankhede

Nov 26, 2018 at 12:08 PM

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IPL 2018: Five Players to Watch Out for in Qualifier 1st at Wankhede

An exciting battle is on the cards when table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will battle it out with the second-placed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Qualifier 1st at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on May 22 (Tuesday).

Meanwhile, the riveting contest in Mumbai will decide out who goes straight to the May 27 grand finale. The winner will be guaranteed a spot in the summit clash and the loser will have to play Qualifier second in Kolkata on May 25.

While Super Kings are coming back from a win, the Sunrisers are coming from the back of three consecutive defeats.

Both the teams have some exciting talents who have performed throughout the season and has been pivotal for the team’s success in one way or another.

With the playoffs starting in a couple of hours, everybody will be on their toes to make a mark for their team.

Quick read: Qualifier 1st: CSK vs SRH – Chennai Super Kings Predicted XI

On that note, let us take a look at five players who can change the course of the first qualifier.

Kane Williamson:

Kane Williamson IPL 2018
Credit: Luke Walker /SPORTZPICS for BCCI.

Kane Williamson has shut down all the speculations raised prior to the start of the campaign.  Many doubted Hyderabad’ chances after David Warner missed out on this IPL. But Williamson has stood tall and led the team from the front in a spectacular fashion.

Williamson has scored runs with the bat consistently and has been brilliant with his spot-on decisions. He has notched up 661 runs, the highest in the Hyderabad team batting at one drop.

The Kiwi skipper will have to rise up to the occasion once again and take his team over the rope against Chennai.

Ambati Rayudu:

Ambati Rayudu
Photo by: Vipin Pawar /SPORTZPICS for BCCI

The batsman from Hyderabad Ambati Rayudu has been a revelation for the Super Kings.

In the fourteen league games this season, Rayudu has scored a staggering 586 runs for Chennai at a strike-rate of 153.40, with his highest score being 100* against Hyderabad.

Moreover, his form with the bat for the Super Kings earned him a place in the Indian team for the upcoming tour to England.

The right-hand batsman will be desperate to justify his selection and play a brilliant hand against Hyderabad at his favourite Wankhede Stadium.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni:

Chennai Super Kings
Photo by: Ron Gaunt /SPORTZPICS for BCCI

Mahendra Singh Dhoni‘s form in this edition of the league has been a huge advantage for the two times champions. He has provided depth in the batting unit allowing the top-order to play freely.

Dhoni has already smashed 446 runs in fourteen games at a strike rate of over 157. Chennai management will want Dhoni to fire once again and guide his team to the final.

Moreover, he is cool as a cucumber on the field and no one is better than him in taking decisions at a pressure situation.

The former India skipper will bring in all his experience to take his team to the finals.

Rashid Khan:

Rashid Khan Muttiah Muralitharan
Photo by: Vipin Pawar / SPORTZPICS for BCCI

The young leg-spinner from Afghanistan has been pivotal for Hyderabad’s success. He has contained runs in the middle-overs and has picked wickets on a consistent basis.

Rashid Khan once again lived up to his expectations as he has already bagged 16 wickets from 14 games.

Moreover, he has bowled his overs at an economy rate of 6.92 which is above par in Twenty20 cricket.

The Sunrisers will once again bank on him to provide crucial wickets against a devastating Chennai batting.

Lungi Ngidi:

Photo by: Ron Gaunt /SPORTZPICS for BCCI

The seamer from South Africa has made an early mark after getting his opportunities in the latter half of the tournament.

In the last game against the Kings XI Punjab, he returned with outstanding figures of four for 10 in his full quota.

Lungi Ngidi has the ability to swing the ball upfront and Chennai will look to him for early wickets.

Moreover, Ngidi will be eager to make a long-lasting impression early in his career that too in a tournament watched by one and all.

Dhoni will want his paceman to replicate his performance and guide Chennai to the finale of the IPL 2018.

Also read: Gautam Gambhir reveals whether he would play the next T20 edition

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