Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bat at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday.

After winning the toss Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson highlighted the quality of pitch and said that it has grass and it will stay the same that is an advantage for the Hyderabad team.

As expected, Basil Thampi has been dropped as his performance in the previous game was very poor.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Carlos Brathwaite have been included in the squad for tonight's match at the pace of Alex Hales and Basil Thampi.

On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik mentioned that the pitch might turn a bit and there is only change for Kolkata, Piyush Chawla has replaced Shivam Mavi.

Playing XI:

Kolkata: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav

Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Shreevats Goswami(w), Carlos Brathwaite, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Carlos Brathwaite have been included in Hyderabad's squad for tonight's match

Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bat at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday. After winning the toss Hyderabad skipper Kane Williamson highlighted the quality of pitch and said that it has grass and it will stay the same that is an advantage for the Hyderabad team. As expected, Basil Thampi has been dropped as his performance in the previous game was very poor. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Carlos Brathwaite have been included in the squad for tonight's match at the pace of Alex Hales and Basil Thampi. On the other hand, Dinesh Karthik mentioned that the pitch might turn a bit and there is only change for Kolkata, Piyush Chawla has replaced Shivam Mavi. Playing XI: Kolkata: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Javon Searles, Piyush Chawla, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav Hyderabad: Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson(c), Manish Pandey, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Shreevats Goswami(w), Carlos Brathwaite, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, Siddarth Kaul, Sandeep Sharma

IPL 2018: Kane Williamson opts to bat against Kolkata

Virat Kohli-led Bangalore defeated table-toppers Hyderabad by 14 runs in a must-win match to stay alive in the Indian Premier League at M. Chinnaswamy stadium on Thursday.

The Bangalore team suffered initially but now, somehow have bounced back in the ongoing tournament and the skipper Virat is using all the possible cards from the deck to book a berth in the play-offs.

Not only Virat Kohli, in fact, all the players are giving their 100 per cent in order to move further in IPL 2018.

Like yesterday, while playing against Hyderabad, AB de Villiers took an acrobatic catch and was hailed as a "Spiderman" by captain Virat Kohli.

South African star cricketer leaped on the deep mid-wicket boundary to stop a ball heading for a near-certain six and catch out Hyderabad batsman Alex Hales.

The video of the catch got viral on the social media and on the brilliant efforts of ABD, Virat said, "AB's catch was spiderman stuff, you don't do that as normal human beings," an ecstatic Kohli said after his team's win."

Watch the video here:

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ABD is from a different planet.. This is absolutely crazy stuff <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvSRH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvSRH</a> <a href="https://t.co/t19ormFJXZ">pic.twitter.com/t19ormFJXZ</a>
— Shahzadiqbal SamaaTv (@ShahzadIqbaal) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShahzadIqbaal/status/997397337763958784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Saw <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpiderMan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpiderMan</a> Live today! ?<a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abdevilliers17</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCBvsSRH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvsSRH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/mUuGVKuTn4">pic.twitter.com/mUuGVKuTn4</a>
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/997189855628201985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On the other hand, De Villiers, who has accumulated 427 runs in 11 games including five half-centuries modestly called it a &nbsp"nice catch".

"I made it look better than actually, it was," the 34-year-old said after being adjudged man of the match."Got into a bad position, the ball had a bit of a curve on it. The minute I took the jump, I realized a little bit of my body was outside. I just had to put that right and luckily it stuck."

South African star cricketer leaped on the deep mid-wicket boundary to stop a ball heading for a near-certain six and catch out Hyderabad batsman Alex Hales

Virat Kohli-led Bangalore defeated table-toppers Hyderabad by 14 runs in a must-win match to stay alive in the Indian Premier League at M. Chinnaswamy stadium on Thursday. The Bangalore team suffered initially but now, somehow have bounced back in the ongoing tournament and the skipper Virat is using all the possible cards from the deck to book a berth in the play-offs. Not only Virat Kohli, in fact, all the players are giving their 100 per cent in order to move further in IPL 2018. Like yesterday, while playing against Hyderabad, AB de Villiers took an acrobatic catch and was hailed as a "Spiderman" by captain Virat Kohli. South African star cricketer leaped on the deep mid-wicket boundary to stop a ball heading for a near-certain six and catch out Hyderabad batsman Alex Hales. The video of the catch got viral on the social media and on the brilliant efforts of ABD, Virat said, "AB's catch was spiderman stuff, you don't do that as normal human beings," an ecstatic Kohli said after his team's win." Watch the video here: ABD is from a different planet.. This is absolutely crazy stuff @ABdeVilliers17 #RCBvSRH pic.twitter.com/t19ormFJXZ — Shahzadiqbal SamaaTv (@ShahzadIqbaal) May 18, 2018 × Saw #SpiderMan Live today! ?@abdevilliers17#RCBvsSRH #IPL2018 pic.twitter.com/mUuGVKuTn4 — Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 17, 2018 × On the other hand, De Villiers, who has accumulated 427 runs in 11 games including five half-centuries modestly called it a "nice catch". "I made it look better than actually, it was," the 34-year-old said after being adjudged man of the match."Got into a bad position, the ball had a bit of a curve on it. The minute I took the jump, I realized a little bit of my body was outside. I just had to put that right and luckily it stuck."

Watch: AB de Villiers' Spiderman-like stunt to dismiss Alex Hales

This will be the first time when Hyderabad and Bangalore will come face to face at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018.

While Hyderabad is leading the table with 14 points, Bangalore is struggling to even make it for the play-off and hence are at the third place from the bottom with just six points.

Let us take a look at the players expected to perform in today's big clash:

1. Rashid Khan - In his last match against Delhi, Rashid took two crucial wickets, which made him the 'Man of the Match'. He is also two wickets away from wearing the 'Purple Cap'. The Afghanistan tweaker is capable of breaking any standing partnership, making him the player to watch out for today. &nbsp;

2. Umesh Yadav - Considering his previous game against Chennai, Yadav dismissed Shane Watson and Suresh Raina to put Bangalore over the 'Yellow Brigade'. But eventually, they lost the match. He has been in good form from last few games and is expected to do the same and knock out Hyderabad batsmen. And, not to forget that one more wicket today and he will get the 'Purple Cap'.&nbsp;

3. Alex Hales - Hyderabad picked Hales as their new replacement for David Warner for this season of IPL. He has played two matches so far scoring 90 runs. In his previous game against Delhi, he scored 31-ball-45 which included three fours and three sixes. Being picked up at his base price, the opener has a lot more to offer to his franchise.

4. Parthiv Patel - Patel got his first chance in IPL 2018 in the previous game against Chennai and he smashed a brilliant half-century to prove his worth and calibre. His inning was a signal to Bangalore and warning to other franchises that he is capable of playing many such knocks. The Bangalore opener and wicket-keeper is definitely a player to watch out for today.

5. Kane Williamson - The backbone of Hyderabad is one of the most successful skippers in the ongoing league so far. With his team being the table-toppers, he definitely fulfilled his duties as a captain. When required he has stood up for his team as a batsman too. In nine matches he has scored 354 runs which include four half-centuries. Even in his previous game, Hyderabad skipper remained unbeaten and ensured victory for his side. Also, he stands at number seven in the race for the 'Orange Cap'.&nbsp;

Being at top of the table, it won't be unfair at all to say that Hyderabad has an upper hand in today's game. While Bangalore have to play a different game altogether to beat the current number one team.&nbsp;

While Hyderabad is leading the table with 14 points, Bangalore is struggling to even make it for the play-off and hence are at the third place from the bottom with just six points

This will be the first time when Hyderabad and Bangalore will come face to face at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. While Hyderabad is leading the table with 14 points, Bangalore is struggling to even make it for the play-off and hence are at the third place from the bottom with just six points. Let us take a look at the players expected to perform in today's big clash: 1. Rashid Khan - In his last match against Delhi, Rashid took two crucial wickets, which made him the 'Man of the Match'. He is also two wickets away from wearing the 'Purple Cap'. The Afghanistan tweaker is capable of breaking any standing partnership, making him the player to watch out for today. 2. Umesh Yadav - Considering his previous game against Chennai, Yadav dismissed Shane Watson and Suresh Raina to put Bangalore over the 'Yellow Brigade'. But eventually, they lost the match. He has been in good form from last few games and is expected to do the same and knock out Hyderabad batsmen. And, not to forget that one more wicket today and he will get the 'Purple Cap'. 3. Alex Hales - Hyderabad picked Hales as their new replacement for David Warner for this season of IPL. He has played two matches so far scoring 90 runs. In his previous game against Delhi, he scored 31-ball-45 which included three fours and three sixes. Being picked up at his base price, the opener has a lot more to offer to his franchise. 4. Parthiv Patel - Patel got his first chance in IPL 2018 in the previous game against Chennai and he smashed a brilliant half-century to prove his worth and calibre. His inning was a signal to Bangalore and warning to other franchises that he is capable of playing many such knocks. The Bangalore opener and wicket-keeper is definitely a player to watch out for today. 5. Kane Williamson - The backbone of Hyderabad is one of the most successful skippers in the ongoing league so far. With his team being the table-toppers, he definitely fulfilled his duties as a captain. When required he has stood up for his team as a batsman too. In nine matches he has scored 354 runs which include four half-centuries. Even in his previous game, Hyderabad skipper remained unbeaten and ensured victory for his side. Also, he stands at number seven in the race for the 'Orange Cap'. Being at top of the table, it won't be unfair at all to say that Hyderabad has an upper hand in today's game. While Bangalore have to play a different game altogether to beat the current number one team.

IPL 2018: Players expected to perform in Hyderabad vs Bangalore clash

England's explosive opener Alex Hales on Saturday was picked as a replacement for banned David Warner by the Sunrisers Hyderabad team for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL).

The daring English batsman was bought for his base price of INR 1 crore from the Registered and Available Player Pool (RAPP) list.

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-after-smith-warner-ban-unsold-ishant-klaasen-can-comeback-127361">IPL 2018: After Smith, Warner ban, unsold Ishant, Klaasen can comeback</a>

Having lost their otherwise captain, Warner, to the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa which subsequently had him banned from the IPL by the BCCI Sunrisers named Kane Williamson as their new skipper.&nbsp

As per reports, Hales, who is the first and only English player till date to score a T20I century, will fill the opener's slot earlier occupied by Warner.

The franchise took to their Twitter handle to announce the induction of Hales in the 'Orange Army'

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Breaking news: Alex Hales, the hard hitting English batsman has joined the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeArmy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeArmy</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/6j4kuSCuXa">pic.twitter.com/6j4kuSCuXa</a>
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href="https://twitter.com/SunRisers/status/979989770439766016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the day, Warner issued an abject apology for his role in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, saying he was resigned to the prospect of never playing cricket for Australia again after his 12-month ban.&nbsp

"There's a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again but I`m resigned to the fact that that may never happen again," Warner said during a press conference.&nbsp

Steve Smith and Warner were banned from international and domestic cricket for a year and Bancroft was suspended for nine months after the scandal came to light.&nbsp

The franchise took to their Twitter handle to announce the induction

England's explosive opener Alex Hales on Saturday was picked as a replacement for banned David Warner by the Sunrisers Hyderabad team for the upcoming season of Indian Premier League (IPL). The daring English batsman was bought for his base price of INR 1 crore from the Registered and Available Player Pool (RAPP) list. Also read: IPL 2018: After Smith, Warner ban, unsold Ishant, Klaasen can comeback Having lost their otherwise captain, Warner, to the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa which subsequently had him banned from the IPL by the BCCI Sunrisers named Kane Williamson as their new skipper. As per reports, Hales, who is the first and only English player till date to score a T20I century, will fill the opener's slot earlier occupied by Warner. The franchise took to their Twitter handle to announce the induction of Hales in the 'Orange Army' Breaking news: Alex Hales, the hard hitting English batsman has joined the #OrangeArmy ! pic.twitter.com/6j4kuSCuXa — SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 31, 2018 × Earlier in the day, Warner issued an abject apology for his role in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, saying he was resigned to the prospect of never playing cricket for Australia again after his 12-month ban. "There's a tiny ray of hope that I may one day be given the privilege of playing for my country again but I`m resigned to the fact that that may never happen again," Warner said during a press conference. Steve Smith and Warner were banned from international and domestic cricket for a year and Bancroft was suspended for nine months after the scandal came to light.

IPL 2018: Alex Hales replaces banned David Warner in Sunrisers Hyderabad squad

Suspended all-rounder Ben Stokes and right-handed opening batsman Alex Hales have been included in England&#39;s squad for their upcoming one-day series against Australia, following the Ashes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Both the players are currently banned from playing international cricket for their alleged involvement in a late-night brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in September this year. The British authorities are probing the matter as their involvement in the infamous altercation still remains doubtful.&nbsp;

As per reports, the selectors were advised to name their strongest squad for the series and it was only after this that both these players were named in the 16-men squad.&nbsp;

However, only after there is any relevant legal or disciplinary development in relation to the incident&nbsp;it can&nbsp;be confirmed whether both these players will be allowed to play or not.&nbsp;

The five-game series is scheduled to start next year on January 14 in Melbourne. &nbsp;

Both players were barred from international cricket after their alleged involvement in a late-night brawl outside a nightclub

Suspended all-rounder Ben Stokes and right-handed opening batsman Alex Hales have been included in England's squad for their upcoming one-day series against Australia, following the Ashes. Both the players are currently banned from playing international cricket for their alleged involvement in a late-night brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in September this year. The British authorities are probing the matter as their involvement in the infamous altercation still remains doubtful. As per reports, the selectors were advised to name their strongest squad for the series and it was only after this that both these players were named in the 16-men squad. However, only after there is any relevant legal or disciplinary development in relation to the incident it can be confirmed whether both these players will be allowed to play or not. The five-game series is scheduled to start next year on January 14 in Melbourne.

'Suspended' players Ben Stokes, Alex Hales included in England's one-day series against Australia

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IPL 2018: Kane Williamson opts to bat against Kolkata

Watch: AB de Villiers' Spiderman-like stunt to dismiss Alex Hales

IPL 2018: Players expected to perform in Hyderabad vs Bangalore clash

IPL 2018: Alex Hales replaces banned David Warner in Sunrisers Hyderabad squad

'Suspended' players Ben Stokes, Alex Hales included in England's one-day series against Australia