The score was six wickets in favour of SRH, and Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match.
In another game played at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) prevailed. On Friday, April 5, at Indian Premier League 2024’s match number 18, Pat Cummins’ team unleashed a full offensive against the reigning champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Captain Cummins had the advantage of the toss in the venue’s second game of the season, therefore he asked CSK to bat first.
Rachin Ravindra (12 off 9) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (26 off 21) opened and played cautiously. Veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane (35 off 30) steadied the batting when the openers were removed, and at 4, Shivam Dube (45 off 24) blasted boundaries for joy. Ravindra Jadeja’s late strikes helped CSK reach 165/5, with wickets being split evenly by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins, Jaydev Unadkat, and T. Natarajan.
See Also: Pat Cummins withdraws his plea against Ravindra Jadeja for “obstructing the pitch” in SRH vs. CSK
While it was the responsibility of the CSK bowlers to stop the run scoring, Abhishek Sharma called Mukesh Choudhary to task after he gave away 27 runs in a single over. Travis Head, Sharma’s opening partner, made a minimal contribution to their 46-run partnership but made sure to take full advantage of pitch limits as the hosts scored 78/1 in the Powerplay.
Speaking Points
1. While the ‘RRR’ trio is good, is it the greatest?
The renowned Chennai top-order trio of Rahane, Rachin, and Ruturaj all enjoyed respectable beginnings. The top-order contributed the most to the senior majority of the lot, but they scored quickly, something the ace hitter did not do. Ruturaj was also unable to seize the initiative and was taken advantage of by Shahbaz. Bhuvi undid the Kiwi batter, who also could not get going.
2. Uppal followers are not happy with Thala Dharisanam
As luck would have it, with three balls remaining in the innings, everything came together for a thrilling Thala Dharisanam in Uppal. Except for MS Dhoni’s appearance at the crease, Natarajan’s on-spot death bowling ensured that there was nothing to celebrate for the crowd. In the two balls delivered, the 42-year-old was only able to steal one run.
3. Abhishek Sharma establishes Hyderabad’s tone
Sharma, who was born in Punjab, had a fantastic season going for him once more since he arrived ready to play. The left-handed hitter arrived at the crease like a thunderclap and left like lightning during his 12-ball stay (you’ve heard this before, right?). With the help of his brilliant 37 runs, Aiden Markram ensured that SRH maintained the momentum from their opening partnership. After hitting fifty runs off of thirty-six balls, Markram was caught by Moeen Ali in front of the wickets. With six wickets and 11 balls left at the end, Cummins and company crossed the finish line and moved up to fifth place on the points table.
Additionally View: IPL Standings & Team Rankings | IPL Points Table 2024
What Was Said by Who?
Ruturaj Gaikwad, the outgoing captain, stated:
“It was a slow pitch. At the back end they bowled well. We couldn’t capitalise in the last five overs. We were in a good situation halfway but they bowled well at the back. Black soil pitch, so we expected the slowness. As the ball got older, it got slower. They used the conditions well – big boundary one end. We did not bowl well in the powerplay but did well to drag the game. 170-175 is par, if we would have had a good powerplay with the ball, we could have had the game. There was slight dew at the later stage. Moeen was spinning the ball in the 15th-16th over, so not much of a difference.”
Pat Cummins, the winning captain, stated:
“Different soil, slowed up as the game went on. Stil a fantastic game. We have got plenty of fast bowlers. Shivam was hitting the spinners. So we took a chance with the fast bowlers bowling cutters. [Abhishek Sharma] I would not be wanting to be bowling to him. The crowd is crazy tonight, especially when MS walked out. We love playing here, home conditions.”
Abhishek Sharma, the player of the match, stated:
“In the bowling, we felt it was a slow wicket. So we wanted to take the powerplay on. We had a chance to prepare well before the IPL. We knew it will be slow, but not if we take on the bowler. Because it would be difficult for the bowler as well. Big scores matter, but I went with the flow today. Hopefully I will get out last next time. It is all the hard work I have put before this. Special thanks to my dad, Yuvi paaji (Yuvraj Singh, mentor) and Brian Lara.”
