IPL 2026: Who Will Win Today’s Match Between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), 45th Match?

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are set to face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a high-octane Match 45 of IPL 2026 on May 3. Sunrisers Hyderabad enters this contest as the most feared batting unit in the tournament, fresh off a historic record-breaking chase of 244 against Mumbai Indians.

With five consecutive wins, the “Orange Army” is looking to secure their place at the summit of the points table. Meanwhile, the Kolkata Knight Riders arrive in Hyderabad desperate to stabilize their campaign. After an inconsistent run in the mid-season, KKR’s leadership group is focused on finding the right bowling combinations to stop the SRH juggernaut.

This match is a classic confrontation between SRH’s sheer power-hitting and KKR’s tactical spin-heavy approach, making it a pivotal encounter for the playoff race.

Match Details & Live Streaming

• Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
• Date & Time: Sunday, May 3, 3:30 PM (IST)
• Live Broadcasting & Streaming: JioStar Network Channels, JioHotstar

SRH vs KKR: Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 31
• Won by SRH: 11
• Won by KKR: 20

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has developed a reputation for being a batter’s paradise in 2026. The surface is hard and flat, offering minimal assistance to pace bowlers once the ball loses its initial shine.

However, the large boundary dimensions provide some protection for spinners who are brave enough to toss the ball up. The average first-innings score at this venue this season has skyrocketed to 205–215.

While the ground historically favored defending totals, the trend in 2026 has shifted heavily toward chasing due to the impact of heavy evening dew. Teams winning the toss are almost certain to elect to field first to capitalize on the easier batting conditions under the lights.

Team Analysis

Sunrisers Hyderabad:

SRH possesses the most explosive top order in the league. The “Travishek” duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma has consistently provided starts of 80+ in the Powerplay. With Heinrich Klaasen in career-best form as the finisher and Salil Arora providing late-innings fireworks, SRH’s batting has no weak links.

Their only concern remains their bowling economy, as seen in their recent victory where they conceded 243 runs.

Kolkata Knight Riders:

KKR’s strength lies in their versatility. Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane provide a mix of aggression and stability at the top, while Cameron Green anchors the middle order. The “X-factor” remains Rinku Singh, who has been the savior in tight finishes.

On the bowling front, KKR will rely heavily on Anukul Roy and their tactical spinners to squeeze the SRH batters during the middle overs where pace has struggled.

Match Prediction

While KKR holds a historical advantage in head-to-head stats, current form suggests a different story. SRH is playing a brand of fearless cricket that is difficult to contain, especially at their home ground in Hyderabad. Unless KKR’s bowlers can produce a miracle in the Powerplay to dismiss Head and Sharma early, the Sunrisers are the overwhelming favorites.

Prediction: Sunrisers Hyderabad likely to win

SRH vs KKR: Predicted Playing XI

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH):

Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Aiden Markram, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Salil Arora, Abdul Samad, Pat Cummins (C), Praful Hinge, Mayank Markande, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):

Ajinkya Rahane (C), Finn Allen, Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Navdeep Saini, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi.