Sunrisers Hyderabad hold a slight edge over Delhi Capitals in Match 31 of IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Vs
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
21 April 2026 07:30 PM
Both teams sit on 6 points with 3 wins each, making this a genuine six-pointer for playoff positioning.
SRH arrive on a two-match home winning streak (vs RR and CSK), while DC come in riding the confidence of a last-over thriller win against RCB powered by David Miller’s heroics.
SRH vs DC Match 31: Complete Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals, Match 31 |
| Tournament | IPL 2026 (TATA Indian Premier League) |
| Date | Tuesday, April 21, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Toss Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad |
| Live Telecast | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar App & Website |
SRH vs DC Head-to-Head Record in IPL
This is one of IPL’s closest rivalries – SRH lead just 13-12 in 26 matches, with 1 tied and 1 no result.
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 26 |
| SRH Wins | 13 |
| DC Wins | 12 (including 1 Super Over win in 2021) |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 1 |
| First Meeting | April 12, 2013 (SRH won) |
| Most Recent | May 5, 2025 (No Result) |
| Last 4 Completed | Split 2-2 |
The rivalry is separated by just one win – it doesn’t get closer than this in IPL history.
SRH have a strong record at home against DC, which adds to their advantage for tonight’s encounter.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Pitch Report
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has hosted 3 matches in IPL 2026, producing an average first-innings score of around 189 runs.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Batting-friendly with true bounce |
| Avg 1st Innings Score (IPL 2026) | ~189 (3 matches) |
| Recent Results | SRH defended 194 vs CSK; SRH posted 216 vs RR |
| Pace vs Spin | Even bounce early; spinners effective in middle overs |
| Outfield | Fast, aids scoring |
| Toss Trend | Captains have preferred chasing (but 2 of 3 won batting first) |
| Dew Factor | Moderate; less extreme than coastal venues |
Interestingly, CricTracker predicts the team batting first to win this match – going against the usual chasing preference.
This is because SRH have successfully defended totals in 2 of their 3 home matches this season, showing disciplined bowling is possible on this surface.
Hyderabad Weather Forecast for SRH vs DC Match
| Parameter | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature (Match Time) | 32–37°C |
| Humidity | 40–55% |
| Rain Chance | ~35% (some possibility but unlikely to disrupt) |
| Wind Speed | Light breeze |
| Dew Factor | Moderate dew expected from 2nd innings |
| Conditions | Partly cloudy, hot and humid |
Live weather data shows a 35% rain chance in Hyderabad on April 21, which is worth monitoring.
However, any showers are expected to be brief, and a full 40-over contest is most likely.
SRH vs DC Toss Prediction
Despite the chasing advantage at most IPL venues, SRH have defended successfully twice at home this season.
CricTracker predicts the team batting first to win, which is an unusual call but backed by recent venue data.
Toss Prediction: Both captains will likely opt to bowl first, following the IPL 2026 trend. However, batting first may actually be the smarter option at this venue based on recent results.
Key Players to Watch in SRH vs DC Match
Here are Key Players from both Teams:
For Sunrisers Hyderabad
1. Abhishek Sharma (Opener)
188 runs in 6 innings at a strike rate of 229.26 – SRH’s most explosive batter this season.
His fastest-ever SRH fifty (15 balls) against CSK was a display of raw, uninhibited power.
Against DC’s pace attack, Abhishek’s ability to dominate the powerplay could set the tone for the entire match.
2. Heinrich Klaasen (Middle Order/Finisher)
The South African has been in the Orange Cap race throughout the season and is SRH’s most reliable middle-order anchor.
His power against both pace and spin in the death overs makes him arguably the best finisher in IPL 2026.
3. Praful Hinge (Fast Bowler)
4 wickets on IPL debut against RR – including becoming the first bowler in IPL history to take 3 wickets in the opening over.
His raw pace and ability to swing the new ball make him a genuine threat in the powerplay.
4. Ishan Kishan (Captain/WK-Batter)
91 off 44 balls against RR showed Kishan is batting at an elite level this season.
As stand-in captain, he’s also reading conditions at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium better than anyone – evident from SRH’s two consecutive home wins.
For Delhi Capitals
1. David Miller (Finisher)
Miller’s last-over heroics against RCB sealed one of the most thrilling wins of IPL 2026.
His ability to hit sixes under pressure makes him DC’s most dangerous weapon in the death overs.
2. KL Rahul (WK-Opener)
Scored a classy 57 in the chase against RCB and has been DC’s most composed batter this season.
Rahul’s ability to anchor the innings while others attack around him is exactly what DC need on a Hyderabad surface.
3. Lungi Ngidi (Fast Bowler)
7 wickets in 5 matches – DC’s leading wicket-taker and the bowler most likely to make early inroads.
His slower deliveries and variations have been particularly effective at the death.
4. Kuldeep Yadav (Left-arm Wrist Spinner)
Although he’s had a mixed season (3 wickets in 5 matches, economy 9.85), Kuldeep’s quality is undeniable.
On a surface that grips in the middle overs, his turn and flight could trouble SRH’s aggressive middle order.
SRH vs DC Probable Playing XIs
Here are predicted Probable XI:
Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted XI
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abhishek Sharma | Opener |
| 2 | Travis Head | Opener |
| 3 | Ishan Kishan (C) | Middle Order |
| 4 | Heinrich Klaasen | Middle Order/Finisher |
| 5 | Salil Arora (WK) | Middle Order |
| 6 | Aniket Verma | All-rounder |
| 7 | Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder |
| 8 | Shivang Kumar | Fast Bowler |
| 9 | Praful Hinge | Fast Bowler |
| 10 | Sakib Hussain | Fast Bowler |
| 11 | Eshan Malinga | Fast Bowler |
| Harsh Dubey (Impact Player) | Left-arm Spinner |
Note: If Pat Cummins returns, he would likely replace one of the uncapped pacers and take back the captaincy.
Delhi Capitals Predicted XI
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pathum Nissanka | Opener |
| 2 | KL Rahul (WK) | Opener |
| 3 | Sameer Rizvi | Middle Order |
| 4 | Axar Patel (C) | Spin All-rounder |
| 5 | David Miller | Finisher |
| 6 | Tristan Stubbs | Middle Order |
| 7 | Auqib Nabi Dar | All-rounder |
| 8 | Lungi Ngidi | Fast Bowler |
| 9 | Kuldeep Yadav | Leg Spinner |
| 10 | T Natarajan | Left-arm Pacer |
| 11 | Mukesh Kumar | Medium Pacer |
| Ashutosh Sharma (Impact Player) | All-rounder |
*Axar Patel’s fitness is being monitored after he retired hurt with cramps against RCB. If he misses out, Ashutosh Sharma would likely start.
Why SRH Will Win This Match
Home Dominance
SRH have won their last 2 matches at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium – defending 194 against CSK and demolishing RR after posting 216.
They know the conditions, the pitch, and the crowd is behind them.
Abhishek Sharma’s Explosive Form
188 runs at SR 229.26 – when Abhishek fires, SRH’s powerplay becomes a nightmare for any bowling attack.
His fastest-ever SRH fifty (15 balls vs CSK) shows he’s batting at a different level right now.
Debutant Bowling Firepower
Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain took 4 wickets each on debut against RR – that kind of X-factor from uncapped players is rare.
DC’s batters won’t have much footage to study on these newcomers, which is a tactical advantage.
Klaasen at the Death
If the match goes deep, Klaasen’s power-hitting in the final 5 overs is virtually unstoppable.
He’s been one of the top-scoring batters in IPL 2026 and can single-handedly take any game away from the opposition.
Why DC Could Win in Hyderabad
Miller’s Match-Winning Confidence
David Miller’s last-over heroics against RCB have given DC immense belief that they can win from any situation.
That kind of confidence is contagious in a team sport.
Rahul’s Class at the Top
KL Rahul has historically performed well in Hyderabad, and his ability to pace the innings gives DC stability.
If he gets through the powerplay and builds a platform, DC’s middle order can go big in the death overs.
Ngidi’s Pace and Variations
7 wickets in 5 matches – Ngidi has been DC’s most consistent bowler and a genuine wicket-taker.
His slower deliveries could be key against SRH’s aggressive batters on a surface that offers some assistance for pace.
Head-to-Head Is Almost Level
13-12 in 26 matches – there’s no psychological dominance in this rivalry.
DC have won in Hyderabad before and know they can compete here.
SRH vs DC Betting Odds and Win Probability
| Team | Win Probability | Key Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 50–55% | Home advantage, 2-match winning streak at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Abhishek in explosive form |
| Delhi Capitals | 45–50% | Momentum from RCB win, Miller’s finishing ability, Ngidi’s 7 wickets |
This is effectively a toss-up – the closest prediction of the season so far. SRH’s home advantage gives them the slightest of edges.
SRH vs DC Match 31 Prediction: Who Will Win Today?
Predicted Winner: Sunrisers Hyderabad (by a narrow margin)
| Factor | SRH Edge | DC Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Head-to-Head | 13 wins in 26 matches | 12 wins (almost level) |
| Current Form | Won last 2 home matches | Won last match vs RCB (thriller) |
| Home Advantage | 2 consecutive home wins at Rajiv Gandhi | Away fixture |
| Top Order | Abhishek (188 runs, SR 229), Kishan (91 vs RR) | Rahul (57 vs RCB), Nissanka (3 consecutive 40+ scores) |
| Bowling | Hinge & Hussain (debutant impact), Klaasen’s death-overs power | Ngidi (7 wkts), Natarajan (left-arm angle) |
| Finishing Ability | Klaasen at the death | Miller’s last-over heroics vs RCB |
| Injury Concerns | Cummins may return; no major issues | Axar Patel – cramps (fitness monitored) |
| Key Stat | Defended 194 and 216 at home this season | Won at Chinnaswamy vs defending champions RCB |
This is as close as predictions get in IPL cricket. Both teams have 6 points, similar momentum, and comparable squad quality.
SRH’s home advantage and their ability to defend totals at this venue give them the slightest of edges.
However, if DC win the toss and chase, Miller’s finishing power combined with Rahul’s composure could swing it their way.
The match will likely be decided by which team executes better in the death overs – Klaasen vs Miller is the final-5-overs battle everyone is watching.
Predicted Margin: SRH to win by 10–15 runs (if batting first) or 4–5 wickets (if chasing).
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Final Verdict
This SRH vs DC clash is the most evenly matched contest of IPL 2026 so far – both in form, points, and squad quality.
SRH’s home advantage, explosive top order, and the impact of debutant bowlers give them a marginal edge.
DC’s counter-punch lies in Miller’s finishing ability, Ngidi’s pace, and the momentum from beating RCB at Chinnaswamy.
Expect a tight, high-quality contest that could go down to the final over, with SRH likely to edge it at home in a match crucial for both teams’ IPL 2026 playoff hopes.
