"Sunrisers Hyderabad Set to Face Rajasthan Royals in IPL-18 Opener"

The anticipation is high as Sunrisers Hyderabad, the runners-up from the last season, gears up to face Rajasthan Royals in their opening match of the IPL-18 at Uppal Stadium this Sunday. With the team's sights set on surpassing the 300-run milestone this season, they boast a lineup of power hitters like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen, all of whom are in top-notch form. Last year, they impressively crossed the 250-run mark three times. The addition of all-rounder Nitish Kumar, who is returning from an injury, is expected to provide a significant boost to the team's strength.

On the bowling side, Sunrisers Hyderabad is not lacking in talent. The team relies heavily on its captain and leading pacer, Pat Cummins, along with Mohammed Shami to spearhead the attack. The spin department will see Adam Zampa playing a crucial role, adding depth to their bowling lineup. With such a formidable squad, Hyderabad enters the competition as the favorites against a Rajasthan Royals team that seems a bit on the back foot.

Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, face challenges of their own. Their bowling attack, aside from the prowess of England's Jofra Archer, seems to lack the vigor needed for a strong contention. Captain Sanju Samson, despite recovering from a finger injury, has concerns surrounding his form. For the upcoming match, Riyan Parag will lead the team, possibly utilizing Samson as an impact player. The absence of Jos Buttler leaves a notable gap in their batting lineup, putting pressure on players like Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Rana, and Yashasvi Jaiswal to perform.

In summary, Sunrisers Hyderabad, buoyed by their strong batting and bowling units, are poised to make a significant impact right from the start of IPL-18. Their first match against Rajasthan Royals presents an opportunity to set the tone for the season, with the team hoping to leverage their home advantage and start their campaign on a winning note. On the contrary, Rajasthan Royals will be looking to overcome their shortcomings and put up a fight that belies their underdog status.