Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) destructive opener Abhishek Sharma during his 16-run knock against Punjab Kings (PBKS) completed 1,000 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Abhishek created history as he became the first uncapped batter for SRH to score 1,000 runs in the IPL.
Abhishek is the third Indian batter after Shikhar Dhawan (2,768 runs) and Manish Pandey (1,345 runs) to achieve the milestone. The three overseas cricketers on the list are IPL 2016-winning captain David Warner (4,014 runs), Kane Williamson (2,101 runs) and Jonny Bairstow (1,038 runs).
Abhishek crossed the 1,000-run mark in his 49th match for SRH. The left-handed batter has 1,007 runs from 47 innings at an average of 23.41. He has five half-centuries to his name. Also, his strike rate of 143.44 is higher than any other SRH batter with more than 1,000 runs.
Against PBKS, Abhishek hit two fours and a six before losing his wicket. In the fifth over, he took on Sam Curran but lost his wicket in an attempt to hit the ball past cover-point fielder. He was caught by Shashank Singh inside the 30-yard circle.
Abhishek’s numbers in IPL 2024
The 23-year-old Amritsar-born batter has been in fine form this season. He is also their second-highest run-scorer in the season behind Heinrich Klaasen. So far, he has scored 177 runs from five innings at an average of 35.40. Also, his strike rate is 208.24, better than any batter in the season who has scored more than 150 runs.
Earlier, in SRH’s second game of the season against Mumbai Indians (MI), he scored the fastest half-century for the franchise. He contributed with a 23-ball 63 in SRH’s record-breaking highest-ever total in IPL history.
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Abhishek impresses Cummins
Recently, SRH skipper Pat Cummins was asked about an Indian youngster he would back to be included in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Cummins felt Abhishek has got what it takes to excel in the mega event.
“Maybe Abhishek Sharma is the guy for me. (He plays) top of the order, plays pace bowling but particularly spin bowling really well. He takes the game on,” the 30-year-old told Sports Tak.
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