Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured a dramatic four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final match of the IPL league stage on Sunday. Chasing a target of 215 runs, SRH displayed impressive batting prowess to clinch the win with five balls remaining. Opener Abhishek Sharma yet again unleashed the beast against him and smashed a quickfire 66 runs off just 28 balls to set to tone for SRH's monumental chase. His knock, which included six sixes and five fours, provided SRH with a solid foundation. Valuable contributions from Rahul Tripathi (33), Nitish Reddy (37), and Heinrich Klaasen (42) further propelled them towards victory. This win not only secured SRH's place in the IPL 2024 playoffs but also ended the league stage with a total of 17 points.
This was not the first time Abhishek proved his batting prowess in the ongoing IPL as he has played such knocks before pairing up with Travis Head. Abhishek has so far scored 533 runs in a total of 14 matches so far.
Meanwhile, after the match, SRH captain Pat Cummins couldn't contain himself from praising Abhishek. He termed the southpaw ‘scary’ and said that he wouldn't want to bowl against Abhishek ever.
“It's pretty cool, it's awesome. We have won 6 out of 7 here, it has been great and amazing. I didn't know many guys coming into this season, but we have played great cricket and had some fun. Great bunch of guys. He (Abhishek) is amazing. I wouldn't want to bowl to him. It's scary as he plays with freedom, not only against pacers but also against spinners. Nitish is a class player, looks mature beyond his age, seems to sum up the game really well, he is perfect for our top-order. Really satisfying and exciting. I haven't played in finals before, we'll know in a few hours which game it is. Playing some really good cricket, excited for what's ahead,” Cummins said at the post-match presentation.
Abhishek Sharma's lightning knock power SRH to stunning victory
Abhishek Sharma set the chase alight for SRH with a blistering 21-ball fifty – his third of the season. He unleashed his power, hammering six sixes and five fours in his knock of 66 runs from just 28 deliveries at a strike rate of 235.71. This dominant display completely shifted the momentum in SRH's favor.
While Shashank Singh provided a brief hiccup, dismissing Sharma with a slower ball, the damage was already done. With the score at a comfortable 129/2 at the halfway mark, the chase seemed like a mere formality. Heinrich Klaasen (42 off 26 balls), Rahul Tripathi (33 off 18 balls), and Nitish Reddy (37 off 25 balls) all contributed valuable knocks, further solidifying SRH's grip on the match. Klaasen continued the aggressive batting, slamming boundaries with ease until he was bowled by Harpreet Brar in the final over. However, with only seven runs required from the last ten balls, the victory was assured. Sanvir Singh sealed the deal with a boundary off the very first delivery of the final over, securing a convincing four-wicket win for SRH.
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Abhishek, who was adjudged player of the match for his batting blitz, at the post match presentation said:
“It's a matter of time for any batsman. My days are going good so I should utilize it for my team. I wanted to contribute as the target was big today. I think I have told this before, during SMAT I was clear how I was going to play and dominate (during IPL). He (Lara) was our coach as well, have done some work with him, he's in touch. That's helping me now. Just waiting for the loose balls, I am going hard against them and trying to put them (bowlers) under pressure. I was talking to Nitish, the more I was waiting it was getting easier for me. I was ready for that (playing against Harshal). I was trying to take a single but fortunately got a boundary (one of the balls.) I want to thank the crowd, special mention to pitch curator and groundsmen. They have given pitches that have suited our style.”
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