Pat Cummins' Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) crushed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 10 wickets in a lopsided IPL 2024 encounter on May 8. After LSG chose to bat first and posted a modest 165, the SRH openers, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, tore apart the bowling attack. Their aggressive batting made a mockery of the chase, reaching the target in just 9.4 overs. While Head cracked 89 off 30 balls, Abhishek belted 75 off 28 balls to see SRH past finishing line in no time. Apparently SRH became the first team in T20 history to chase down 160-plus target within 10 overs.
SRH captain Pat Cummins praised his openers' fearless approach. He jokingly remarked that maybe Head and Sharma had changed pitch during the innings break. While LSG struggled on a seemingly slow surface earlier, managing only 27 runs in the powerplay, Head and Abhishek thrived on it and put together 107 runs in the first six overs. Cummins highlighted his philosophy of giving his batsmen the freedom to express themselves.
Did Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma change pitch? Cummins reveals
"Maybe Travis and Abhishek did. We just let them go, they are two guys who are very positive and I'm a bowler, it is tough for me to give them any inputs," said Cummins at the post-match presentation.
Cummins wasn't surprised by Head's knock, pointing out the Australian batter has been on a tear for the past few seasons, and this was just another example of his brilliance.
"He's been like this for 2 years, he hits the tough areas, hits the middle a lot, might not be super conventional," Cummins added.
Cummins wasn't done praising his openers. He singled out Abhishek Sharma, commending him for his exceptional ability to handle both pace and spin bowling.
"Just an incredible player of spin and pace. With just 2 fielders out, it is really difficult for the bowlers against them," Cummins further said.
Cummins acknowledged the rising trend of high scores in T20 cricket, making bowling a constant challenge against aggressive batters. He further expressed his delight at SRH's dominant win against LSG, calling their 10-wicket victory "unreal."
"I think the scores have gone up, and when the wickets are good, it is tough to come up with answers against batters when they get going. The boys have had a fantastic season, but to win this with less than 10 overs played is unreal," he concluded.
The win against LSG, catapulted SRH to third in the points table with seven victories and five defeats while LSG dropped down to sixth spot. SRH will next face Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 16 while LSG will take on Delhi Capitals on May 14.
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