Sunrisers Hyderabad face Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 45 of IPL 2026 in Hyderabad, with both teams eyeing crucial points in the playoff race. SRH look to strengthen their top-three position, while KKR aim to continue their late resurgence.
Match details
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
Date: May 3, 2026
Time: 03:30 PM IST | 03:00 PM PKT | 10:30 AM GMT
Team overviews
Sunrisers Hyderabad have enjoyed a consistent and impressive campaign so far. Led by Pat Cummins, they have secured six wins in nine matches and currently sit third on the points table with 12 points. Their balanced approach, combining aggressive batting and effective bowling, has made them one of the most reliable sides this season. A win here would further cement their playoff chances.
Kolkata Knight Riders have staged a recovery after a disappointing start. Under Ajinkya Rahane, they have picked up victories in their last couple of matches and are building momentum at a crucial stage. With renewed confidence and the likely return of key players, KKR will aim to challenge SRH strongly in this afternoon encounter.
Key players
Abhishek Sharma has been one of the standout performers this season. The left-handed opener has scored 425 runs in nine matches at an average of 53.13, including one century and three half-centuries. His explosive starts provide SRH with a strong platform.
Sunil Narine remains a vital asset for Kolkata Knight Riders. His experience and ability to deliver under pressure have been evident, including a remarkable Super Over performance earlier in the season. Narine’s role with the ball will be crucial against SRH’s powerful batting lineup.
Head-to-head record
Kolkata Knight Riders hold the advantage in this rivalry.
Matches played: 31
Kolkata Knight Riders wins: 19
Sunrisers Hyderabad wins: 11
Tied: 1
No result: 0
Their most recent meeting earlier this season adds further context to this competitive fixture.
Pitch report
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad has produced several high-scoring matches this season. The surface generally favors batters, with flat conditions and a quick outfield aiding stroke play. Spinners can find some assistance early, but their effectiveness tends to reduce as the match progresses. Chasing teams have enjoyed more success at this venue, making the toss an important factor.
Probable playing XIs
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora (wk), Aniket Verma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (c), Harsh Dubey, Praful Hinge, Eshan Malinga
Impact Player: Sakib Hussain
Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Ramandeep Singh, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi, Varun Chakravarthy
Impact Player: Matheesha Pathirana
Probable match scenarios
If Sunrisers Hyderabad bat first, they are expected to post a total in the range of 200 to 210, with a powerplay score of 60 to 70. Kolkata Knight Riders, if chasing, could target a higher total between 225 and 235, with a powerplay output of 70 to 80. The chasing side is likely to hold an advantage based on current conditions.
Live streaming and broadcast
India: JioStar Network channels and JioHotstar app and website
Pakistan: IPL available via licensed sports broadcasters and digital platforms
UK: Coverage through official IPL broadcast partners on TV and streaming apps
Australia: Available on partner sports networks and digital services
Global: Official IPL broadcasters and streaming platforms depending on region
Match prediction
Both teams enter the contest with balanced win probabilities, reflecting the competitive nature of the matchup. Sunrisers Hyderabad have the edge in consistency and form, while Kolkata Knight Riders carry momentum from recent wins. Conditions in Hyderabad favor chasing, which could influence the outcome significantly. Sunrisers Hyderabad appear slightly better placed, but Kolkata Knight Riders remain capable of producing an upset if their key players deliver.
