In the 45th match of IPL 2026, Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. This IPL 2026 match prediction is largely in favor of SRH, who are in tremendous form and are making a strong bid to make the top four.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have been one of the most impressive teams this season, currently sitting third on the table with a five-match win. Their aggressive style of play has made them one of the most dangerous batting teams in the league.
The top order led by Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan has been explosive and consistently providing fast starts. Heinrich Klaasen has been the backbone of the middle order with over 400 runs this season. Their bowling has also improved, with captain Pat Cummins leading from the front along with Ishan Malinga and Jaydev Unadkat.
Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency this season and are at the bottom of the table. Despite recent wins, they still face an uphill battle.
Their batting is dependent on Rinku Singh and young talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi. Captain Ajinkya Rahane has given the start but often slows down in the middle overs. Their bowling unit, especially the spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, has not been that effective this season.
Details of Match 45 of IPL 2026
| match | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders |
| tournament | indian premier league 2026 |
| venue | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad |
| date | 3 May 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM (IST) and 10:00 AM (GMT) |
SRH vs KKR current form before Match 45 of IPL 2026
SRH vs KKR Head to Head T20 Record before Match 45 of IPL 2026
| metric | statistics |
|---|---|
| matches played | 31 |
| SRH won | 11 |
| KKR won | 20 |
| tied/no result | 0 |
| SRH’s highest score | 228/4 |
| KKR’s highest score | 208/7 |
| SRH’s lowest score | 113/10 |
| KKR’s lowest score | 101/10 |
SRH vs KKR Player Battle for Match 45 of IPL 2026
1. Abhishek Sharma vs Sunil Narine
This is a major powerplay battle. Abhishek is in great form and has scored quickly against Narine in the previous matches.
Narine will look to control the scoring early on, but if Abhishek takes the lead, SRH could dominate the powerplay.
2. Heinrich Klaasen vs Varun Chakraborty
This battle of the middle overs is important. Klaasen has been one of the best players against spin this season.
Varun has managed to dismiss him several times, but Klaasen’s aggressive approach can once again put pressure on KKR’s bowling.
3. Pat Cummins vs Ajinkya Rahane
This battle of captain versus captain can shape the innings. Cummins is in good form with the ball, while Rahane needs to improve his scoring rate.
If Cummins can dismiss Rahane early, KKR may struggle to build momentum.
SRH vs KKR Toss Prediction for Match 45 of IPL 2026
The Hyderabad pitch is expected to be flat and batting-friendly, with scores above 200 becoming common this season. Since it is an afternoon game, there will be no dew factor.
Teams winning the toss may prefer to bat first and set a bigger target, as in recent matches here teams defending the total have won. The pitch may be a little slow in the second innings, which will give the spinners a chance to play.
SRH vs KKR Winner Prediction – Who will win today’s 45th match of IPL 2026?
Based on current form, team balance and home advantage, Sunrisers Hyderabad are clear favorites to win this match. Their batting lineup is in top form and has consistently scored big scores.
Kolkata Knight Riders will need strong performances from both their top order and bowlers to compete. If their spinners can control the middle overs and their batsmen build partnerships, they have a chance.
However, with better pace and a more balanced team, Sunrisers Hyderabad have more chances to win this competition.
