Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are heavy favourites against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 45 of IPL 2026 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad on Sunday, May 3 at 3:30 PM IST. SRH are priced around 1.55-1.65 odds (implied win probability of ~61-65%).
Vs
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
3 May 2026 03:30 PM
SRH are on a 5-match winning streak and sit 3rd with 12 points. They recently chased 244 against MI in just 18.4 overs. In contrast, KKR are 8th with just 5 points from 8 matches, barely staying alive after a Super Over win against LSG.
This is also an afternoon match (3:30 PM IST), meaning no dew and scorching 40°C heat that will test fast bowlers’ fitness. This article covers odds, predicted XIs, Uppal pitch report, weather, and SRH vs KKR Match 45 prediction.
SRH vs KKR Match Details
Here are the key details for Match 45 of IPL 2026, which is notably an afternoon fixture at SRH’s fortress Uppal.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | SRH vs KKR, 45th Match |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, May 3, 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM IST (afternoon match) |
| Venue | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network / JioHotstar |
| Weather Alert | Mostly sunny. ~40°C. 5% rain chance. Afternoon game means NO dew. |
SRH vs KKR Betting Odds Comparison
SRH are heavy favourites because of their 5-match winning streak, Uppal home advantage, Klaasen’s 478 runs, and Malinga’s 19 wickets. Although KKR lead the all-time H2H 20-11, their current form makes them significant underdogs.
| Platform | SRH Win Odds | KKR Win Odds | Implied SRH Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.55 | 2.50 | ~65% |
| Bet365 | 1.60 | 2.40 | ~63% |
| 1xBet | 1.58 | 2.45 | ~63% |
| Betfair | 1.65 | 2.30 | ~61% |
SRH at 61-65% implied win probability reflects the enormous form gap. Despite KKR’s historical H2H lead (20-11), SRH’s current momentum, batting firepower (top 3 have 1,236 runs combined), and the 65-run reverse fixture win make them overwhelming favourites.
Disclaimer: Odds are indicative and sourced from publicly available platforms at the time of writing. Consequently, they may change closer to match time.
SRH vs KKR Predicted Playing XIs
While SRH will likely go unchanged after their 5-match winning streak, KKR may consider changes to their batting order after struggling for consistency all season.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) Predicted XI
Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins (c), Harshal Patel, Eshan Malinga, Harsh Dubey, Kartik Tyagi.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Predicted XI
Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Sunil Narine, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Rovman Powell, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi / Matheesha Pathirana, Anukul Roy.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Pitch Report
Uppal has become a run-scoring machine in IPL 2026. The average first-innings score at this venue this season is a massive 202, with two 200-plus totals from 4 matches, the highest being SRH’s 242/2 against DC.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Behaviour | Flat, batting-friendly surface. True bounce and pace. Ball comes on nicely throughout, especially under lights. |
| Batting Conditions | Excellent. 200+ is par. Quick outfield and true surface reward aggressive batting. |
| Bowling Conditions | Spinners get some grip in middle overs but must be accurate. Pacers need slower balls and cutters to survive. |
| Avg 1st Innings Score (IPL 2026) | 202 (one of the highest venue averages this season) |
| Bat First vs Chase | SRH thrive setting massive totals. But they also chased 244 vs MI here. Both strategies work for SRH. |
| Key Stat | SRH scored 242/2 here vs DC. They also chased 244 vs MI in 18.4 overs. This ground belongs to SRH right now. |
Weather Forecast for SRH vs KKR
According to live weather data for Hyderabad on May 3, the forecast shows mostly sunny skies with only 5% rain probability. Therefore, a full match is guaranteed.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 38-40°C. Scorching afternoon heat. |
| Weather | Mostly sunny. No rain threat. |
| Rain Probability | 5% (negligible, full match guaranteed) |
| Humidity | Low to Moderate |
| Wind | Light |
| Dew Factor | NONE. Afternoon match means zero dew. Spinners grip the ball throughout. |
| Impact | Extreme heat will tire fast bowlers significantly. Spinners consequently dominate. Fitness becomes a genuine factor. |
The absence of dew is a game-changer compared to evening matches at Uppal. In evening games, SRH’s chasers benefit from a wet ball. In this afternoon fixture, however, the team batting first can defend more comfortably because spinners retain effectiveness throughout.
SRH vs KKR Head-to-Head Record in IPL
This is where KKR hold a significant historical advantage. In 31 IPL meetings, KKR lead 20-11. However, SRH’s current form and the reverse fixture result (65-run win) suggest the tide has turned.
| Statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Matches | 31 |
| KKR Wins | 20 |
| SRH Wins | 11 |
| KKR Win % | 64.5% |
| Reverse Fixture (IPL 2026) | SRH won by 65 runs |
| SRH’s Winning Streak | 5 consecutive wins (current) |
| SRH 2026 Form | 6W 3L (3rd, 12 pts, NRR +0.832, 5-match streak) |
| KKR 2026 Form | 2W 6L (8th, 5 pts, Super Over win vs LSG) |
Key Players to Watch
Since IPL 2026’s most dominant batting lineup faces a struggling opponent at their fortress, these 7 players could determine whether SRH extend their streak to 6 or KKR pull off a shock upset.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Heinrich Klaasen | SRH | 478 runs at SR 167.71 and avg 59.75 with three fifties. Arguably IPL 2026’s best batter. His ability to anchor and then explode makes him nearly impossible to contain. In an afternoon match, his wrist-work against Narine and Chakravarthy is the match-defining contest. |
| Sunil Narine | KKR | Economy of 6.66, the second-best by any bowler in IPL 2026. In an afternoon match without dew, Narine can grip the ball throughout. His 4 overs against SRH’s explosive batting could consequently determine whether KKR stay competitive. |
| Abhishek Sharma | SRH | 446 runs at SR 210.37, Orange Cap contender with 135* vs DC. SRH’s powerplay dominance (92/0, 89/1, 67/0 in last 3) starts with Abhishek’s aggression. If he gets going in the first 6 overs, the match could be half-settled before spin comes into play. |
| Rinku Singh | KKR | 233 runs at avg 38.83 with back-to-back fifties. KKR’s best finisher and the only batter who can match SRH’s power in the death overs. If KKR have wickets in hand at the 15th over, Rinku can produce match-winning cameos. |
| Eshan Malinga | SRH | 19 wickets at eco 9.32, IPL 2026’s leading wicket-taker. His reverse swing into right-handers has troubled every team. Against KKR’s inconsistent top order, Malinga’s new-ball spell could consequently set the tone for SRH. |
| Varun Chakravarthy | KKR | Mystery spinner whose carrom ball and googly can trouble any batter. In afternoon conditions without dew, Chakravarthy can grip the ball better. The Chakravarthy vs Abhishek battle in the powerplay could therefore be crucial. |
| Pat Cummins | SRH | SRH captain whose return has coincided with 5 straight wins. His new-ball bowling and death-overs skills give SRH world-class pace at both ends. Against KKR’s fragile top order, Cummins’s tight lines could choke the run-scoring early. |
Toss Prediction
The afternoon timing makes this toss particularly interesting. Without dew, batting first becomes more viable because spinners retain grip in the second innings. SRH have thrived when setting massive targets at home.
Interestingly, SRH may actually prefer to bat first in this afternoon match. Their powerplay dominance (92/0, 89/1, 67/0) and ability to post 230+ means they can set targets that KKR simply cannot chase. Without dew to assist KKR’s chase, defending at Uppal becomes significantly easier.
On the other hand, KKR may also want to bat first and set a competitive total. Chasing SRH at Uppal is intimidating, and KKR’s best chance is posting 200+ and putting pressure on SRH’s chasers. Therefore, unusually, both teams may prefer batting first in this afternoon game, unlike the trend of bowling first in evening matches.
Match Prediction
This is one of IPL 2026’s most lopsided matchups on paper. SRH’s batting firepower (1,236 runs from their top 3 alone) against KKR’s inconsistent lineup at SRH’s fortress. Consequently, the question is not whether SRH are favourites, but whether KKR can compete at all.
Where SRH Holds the Edge
First of all, batting dominance is SRH’s defining advantage. Klaasen (478 runs), Abhishek (446 runs), and Kishan (312 runs) have collectively scored 1,236 runs this season. No other top 3 in IPL history has been this productive at this stage of a season.
Moreover, home dominance at Uppal is overwhelming. SRH have scored 242/2 and chased 244 at this venue this season. The average first-innings score of 202 means SRH regularly post or chase 200+. Consequently, KKR need everything to go right just to compete.
Additionally, momentum from 5 consecutive wins creates an aura of invincibility. SRH believe they can win from any position because they keep proving it. Against a KKR side with just 2 wins, that confidence gap is the widest in any IPL 2026 matchup.
Where KKR Holds the Edge
Nevertheless, afternoon conditions without dew are KKR’s best friend. Narine (eco 6.66) and Chakravarthy can grip the ball throughout their spells. In evening matches, dew neutralises KKR’s spin advantage. Without dew, their twin spin attack can consequently control the middle overs.
Furthermore, the H2H record (20-11) proves KKR have historically dominated this rivalry. Although the current form gap is massive, T20 cricket produces upsets regularly. If Narine bowls a match-winning spell (as he has done repeatedly against SRH in previous years), KKR can shock the hosts.
Besides, Rinku Singh‘s finishing ability gives KKR hope in close games. If KKR somehow restrict SRH to 185-190 (possible without dew), Rinku in the death overs can take down any bowling attack. His back-to-back fifties prove he is finding form at the right time.
Key Concerns for Both Teams
KKR’s concern is their overall batting inconsistency. Just 2 wins from 8 matches tells the story. Captain Rahane‘s batting and tactical decisions have been questioned, while Green‘s Rs 25.20 crore investment has not delivered consistently. Against SRH’s bowling at Uppal, KKR’s fragile batting faces an almost impossible task.
Moreover, KKR lost the reverse fixture by 65 runs. That result exposed their inability to compete with SRH’s intensity. Without significant improvement, the same pattern will repeat at Uppal.
Conversely, SRH’s concern is complacency. Five consecutive wins can breed overconfidence, especially against a team as weak as KKR. If SRH take their foot off the pedal, KKR’s spin attack (Narine, Chakravarthy) could exploit a lack of intensity.
Additionally, the 40°C afternoon heat will test SRH’s fast bowlers just as much as KKR’s. Cummins, Malinga, and Tyagi bowling in scorching heat will need exceptional fitness management. If SRH’s pacers tire, KKR’s batters could exploit the second-innings conditions.
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Final Verdict
All in all, SRH hold a dominant edge at around 61-65%. Their 5-match winning streak, Klaasen’s 478 runs, Abhishek’s 446 runs, Malinga’s 19 wickets, and the 65-run reverse fixture win make them overwhelming favourites at their Uppal fortress.
However, the afternoon timing without dew is KKR’s lifeline. Narine‘s economy of 6.66 and Chakravarthy‘s mystery spin become more effective without moisture. If KKR’s spin twins can restrict SRH to 185-190, Rinku‘s finishing gives KKR an outside chance of pulling off the upset.
Therefore, expect a par score of 195-210 at Uppal in this afternoon fixture. The Narine vs Klaasen middle-overs duel and the Malinga vs KKR’s top order powerplay battle will most likely decide this contest. Specifically, the team that controls overs 7-15 through spin holds the key to victory.
SRH want to extend their remarkable streak to 6 wins. KKR are fighting for survival. Although the odds strongly favour Hyderabad, KKR’s H2H lead (20-11) and Narine’s brilliance mean upsets are always possible. Consequently, the afternoon conditions at Uppal add just enough uncertainty to make this worth watching.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Betting involves financial risk, and readers should gamble responsibly. Predictions are based on publicly available data and expert analysis and do not guarantee outcomes. All odds are indicative and subject to change.
