Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) rewrote T20 record books as their in-form openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head chased down 166 in just 9.4 overs with their ruthless approach. They broke the record for highest target chased within 10 overs in T20 cricket. With the record-breaking run chase, SRH have knocked out five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) winners Mumbai Indians (MI) out of the playoff race.
Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) are at the bottom of the points table with four wins from 11 games. However, MI have same number of points as GT from 12 games. Even if the Hardik Pandya-led side wins their remaining two games, they will not be able to finish in top four.
This means that MI's next two matches against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and LSG on May 11 and May 17 respectively are inconsequential for them. Like Pandya said, they will be playing for pride now.
Another elimination on cards
On May 9, another team will be eliminated from the playoff contention. Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Dharamsala. Both teams have eight points from 11 games.
LSG still alive in playoff race
Despite the loss, LSG still have a chance to make it to the playoff. However, with a 10-wicket loss, their net run rate (NRR) is now -0.769. They are placed sixth on the points table with six wins from 12 games. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) have 12 points as well. After a long break, LSG will take on DC in Delhi on May 14. Their last game is against MI.
This was LSG’s first defeat to SRH. Skipper KL Rahul was left speechless after the brutal onslaught from Abhishek and Head.
“I am lost for words. We have watched that kind of batting on tv. But this is unreal batting. Everything seemed to find the middle of the bat. Kudos to their skills. They have worked hard on their six hitting skills. They didn't give us a chance to know what the pitch played in the second innings. Was hard to stop them as they teed off from ball one. Once you are on the losing side, there are questions marks on the decisions taken,” Rahul told the broadcasters after the loss.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
