Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured a convincing 36-run victory against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2024 Qualifier 2 on May 25, despite setting a modest target of 175 runs. A key factor in their win was the performance of their left-arm spin duo, Abhishek Sharma and Shahbaz Ahmed. Together, they picked up a combined haul of 5 wickets on Friday, May 24th, effectively restricting the Rajasthan Royals' chase.
Abhishek Sharma, who had primarily contributed with the bat throughout the season, emerged as an unexpected hero with the ball. Despite limited bowling opportunities throughout the tournament, he stepped up in the high-pressure knockout match. His crucial scalps of Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer significantly tilted the match in SRH's favor. In a post-match interview, an excited Abhishek revealed that he had faith in his bowling skills but needed to convince the coach and captain to utilize him with the ball during the game.
"I think my dad will be very happy because he was a left arm spinner, he has been working very hard on my bowling. Somehow I knew that if I kept working on my bowling, I can do something for my team. From junior cricketI have been bowling a lot and taking wickets and I was waiting for this opportunity," Abhishek said in a video uploaded by the Indian Premier League website.
"It did not come that easily as I had to really show my captain and coaches in the practice, because they had not seen much," he further added.
Crediting his mentor, the legendary Yuvraj Singh, Abhishek Sharma revealed some inspiring advice he received. Yuvraj apparently expressed his belief in Abhishek's bowling potential, even suggesting he could surpass Yuvraj himself someday. This strong endorsement from a cricketing icon undoubtedly boosted Abhishek's confidence.
"Whenever I have had conversations about bowling with Yuvi paji (Yuvraj Singh), he has always said that I can become a better bowler than him. I always had that in my mind, I think he will be happy as well that I contributed with my bowling," Abhishek said.
Abhishek took the prized wickets of Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer to thwart RR from chasing a target of 176 runs. Not just this, Abhishek has been a force to reckon with when it comes to batting. In a span of 15 matches, he has amassed 482 run at a stunning strike rate of 207.76. The 23-year-old will look to give it all in the IPL 2024 final and help SRH clinch the coveted title.
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