Rain likely to play spoilsport

Match number 49 of IPL 2026 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) could witness multiple interruption at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium as there are high chances of rain playing spoilsport. The contest is crucial for both sides, with PBKS needing a win to solidify their position at the top of the IPL 2026 points table while SRH need a victory to displace the Punjab Kings from the top. PBKS have already lost one contest due to rain in this season (the game against KKR at the Eden Gardens was washed out last month).

Hyderabad weather report

As per the Indian Metrological Department (IMD), rains or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds are set to lash Hyderabad on Wednesday. A yellow alert has been issued by the weather agency. The maximum and minimum temperatures are 37 and 24 degree Celsius respectively.

“Partly cloudy sky. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are very likely to occur towards evening or night,” the IMD said.

Rajiv Gandhi Stadium pitch report for SRH vs PBKS

The pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is expected to be a high-scoring ‘batter’s paradise’. So far in IPL 2026, the surface has been flat with consistent bounce and carry, favoring aggressive stroke play from ball one. The average first-innings score at this venue in 2026 has soared to 202. While pacers have historically been more successful here than spinners—taking 49 wickets compared to just 18 in recent outings—any early movement for the fast bowlers typically disappears after the first few overs.

Heavy dew is expected from the 12th over of the 2nd innings, which will make the ball difficult for bowlers to grip and significantly favor the chasing side. Consequently, despite three out of four games here this season being won by the team batting first, the captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first to navigate the evening moisture.

The last time the two sides met earlier in April, SRH were handed a 6-wicket defeat by PBKS in an away contest. SRH will be looking to avenge that defeat in the reverse fixture and will pray that rain stays away.