The 45th match of IPL 2026 brings an exciting clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, with both teams aiming to strengthen their position in the points table. Fans can expect a high-intensity contest as key players from both sides look to deliver impactful performances. Here’s a complete prediction along with the probable playing XI for this much-anticipated encounter.
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KOLKATA
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Sunrisers are set to face Kolkata in the 45th match of IPL 2026, as the tournament enters its final phase with the playoffs just two weeks away. The league stage is nearing its conclusion, and the playoff picture will start becoming clearer from this week onward. In fact, the Mumbai Indians may have dented their chances after last night’s loss to CSK.
For KKR, the next two matches could be decisive—they need to prove themselves or risk ending up in the same situation as MI and LSG. Sunrisers, on the other hand, likely need at least three more wins to stay in contention for a playoff spot. It’s shaping up to be a crucial week where every team has a lot at stake. Past performances matter less now; what truly counts is consistency in these final matches to secure a place in the playoffs.
The forecast for Hyderabad suggests scorching conditions, with temperatures around 42°C and a feels-like temperature of 45.5°C, making it extremely hot and humid. With an afternoon game, fielding could be especially taxing, so the toss winner may prefer to bat first while the chasing side risks fatigue, cramps, and heat-related issues. SRH have already posted four 260+ totals this season, including a massive 286/3 against RR at this venue, and they’ll be eager to replicate that with Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma in form, followed by the explosive Heinrich Klaasen. It could be the perfect opportunity for SRH to push toward the elusive 300-run mark.
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Claim IPL bonusKKR has largely controlled the rivalry with SRH over the years, especially during their title-winning 2024 season when they defeated SRH in all three encounters. Despite that dominance, SRH holds the record for the highest total in their clashes with a massive 278, while KKR’s lowest stands at 101, giving SRH a psychological edge with that milestone. SRH also beat KKR by 65 runs at Eden Gardens on April 2, 2026, adding recent momentum to their side. Notably, in IPL 2025, SRH piled up 278 runs in a stunning performance that featured Klaasen’s blistering 100 off just 36 balls.
Sunrisers Hyderabad enter this clash with strong momentum, while Kolkata Knight Riders are trying to revive their campaign after a late turnaround. With playoff spots on the line, both teams face a crucial test in Match 45 of IPL 2026.
Sunrisers have won 6 of their 9 matches, including their last five in a row. Travis Head’s form has recently been a big boost. With the openers handling the powerplay, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and others are stabilising the middle overs, while strong finishers and Pat Cummins add serious depth to the batting. Cummins has also strengthened the bowling, addressing both powerplay and death-over concerns. Another standout has been Eshan Malinga, who’s been exceptional at the death. With a well-balanced squad—7 solid batters, 5 bowlers, and multiple all-rounders—SRH look strong. Their biggest priority now is staying injury-free, as any setback could disrupt their balance and title chances.
Kolkata have managed just 2 wins from 8 matches, but interestingly, those victories came back-to-back after a six-game losing streak. They sit 8th on the table, and while the current balance looks better, taking on SRH in Hyderabad remains a tough challenge. KKR will be grateful for timely contributions from Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, and Cameron Green. Ajinkya Rahane would have hoped for this kind of impact earlier, but with the pressure on, their key players have stepped up to keep the team in contention. When multiple match-winners click together, it’s exactly what any side hopes for. KKR will aim to carry forward the momentum from their last two games, but if they do, it could pose a serious challenge for SRH—meaning the hosts will need to stay sharp and cautious.
SRH Dream XI Prediction: Pat Cummins (c), Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klassen, Aniket Varma, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Salil Arora, Praful Hinge, Harsh Dubey, Eshan Malinga, and Sakib Hassan (Impact Player)
KKR Dream XI Prediction: Tim Seifert, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Cameron Green, A Raguvanshi, Rinku Singh, Anukul Roy, Rowman Powell, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy, Kartik Tyagi and Ramandeep Singh (Impact Player)
For the 45th match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders, consider backing the team batting first if the pitch looks flat, as high scores have been common in their recent encounters. Keep an eye on SRH’s power hitters and KKR’s spin attack, as these could be key factors in determining the match outcome. It’s also wise to check the toss and pitch report before placing bets, since conditions can heavily influence strategy and results.