Sunrisers Hyderabad host Punjab Kings in Match 49 of IPL 2026 in a crucial reverse fixture, with both sides aiming to strengthen their playoff push. SRH seek redemption after their earlier loss, while PBKS look to regain momentum at the top.
Match details
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
Date: May 6, 2026
Time: 07:30 PM IST | 07:00 PM PKT | 02:30 PM GMT
Team overviews
Sunrisers Hyderabad have maintained a solid campaign, currently sitting third on the points table with six wins from ten matches. Led by Pat Cummins, they have displayed consistency throughout the season. However, a recent defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders has slightly disrupted their momentum, making this fixture crucial for regaining rhythm and consolidating their position.
Punjab Kings have been one of the most dominant teams this season. Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, they hold the top spot with six wins in nine matches. Despite their strong run, consecutive losses against Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans have slowed their progress. PBKS will aim to bounce back quickly and reaffirm their dominance.
Key players
Abhishek Sharma has been a standout performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The aggressive opener has scored 440 runs in 10 innings at an average of 48.89. His ability to provide explosive starts makes him a key factor in SRH’s batting strategy.
Eshan Malinga has been effective with the ball for SRH. With 15 wickets in 10 matches, he has consistently delivered breakthroughs. His ability to strike on batting-friendly surfaces could prove decisive in this contest.
For Punjab Kings, captain Shreyas Iyer remains a vital contributor with the bat, anchoring the innings and guiding the team in pressure situations.
Head-to-head record
Punjab Kings have dominated this matchup historically.
Matches played: 25
Punjab Kings wins: 17
Sunrisers Hyderabad wins: 8
No result: 0
PBKS also won the most recent encounter earlier this season.
Pitch report
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad is known for its batting-friendly conditions. The surface allows the ball to come onto the bat nicely, encouraging stroke play and high-scoring games. In night matches, dew is likely to play a role, making chasing easier. Bowlers can still succeed with disciplined execution, but overall conditions favor batters.
Probable playing XIs
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora, Aniket Verma, Pat Cummins (c), Shivang Kumar, Harshal Patel, Sakib Husain
Impact Player: Eshan Malinga
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (c), Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Player: Vijaykumar Vyshak
Probable match scenarios
If Sunrisers Hyderabad bat first, they are projected to score between 185 and 195, with a powerplay range of 50 to 60. Punjab Kings, if chasing, could aim for a slightly higher total between 190 and 200, with a powerplay score of 55 to 65. The chasing side is expected to have an advantage due to dew and pitch behavior.
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 equal win probability, highlighting a closely contested battle. Sunrisers Hyderabad will rely on home advantage and their consistent performances, while Punjab Kings possess the depth and quality to bounce back strongly. Conditions favor chasing, which could prove decisive. Punjab Kings appear slightly better positioned due to their overall dominance this season, but Sunrisers Hyderabad have the capability to level the score if their key players deliver.
