In a stunning display of power hitting, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) decimated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their recent IPL match, chasing down a target of 166 in just 9.4 overs. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive batting was on full display as they broke several T20 records and left the opposition captain, KL Rahul, at a loss for words.
Rahul, acknowledging SRH’s batting prowess, said, “I am lost for words. We have watched that kind of batting on TV. But this is unreal batting.” SRH’s openers raced past 100 in the powerplay, becoming the first side to do so on two separate occasions. The difference in the powerplay scores – 80 runs – highlighted the dominance of SRH, who won with 62 deliveries to spare, the earliest a team has reached a 150-plus target in T20 cricket.
Adam Voges, the consultant for LSG, admitted that the gulf in the powerplay between the two sides was a big factor in the outcome of the game. “Our powerplay compared to the Sunrisers was at two extremes,” Voges said. “What do you say, 2 for 20 odd as opposed to 100 for none, and that’s the game in itself.”
Head, who played a key role in the chase, praised SRH’s batting approach. “It looked like a tough wicket in the first innings, it looked like it was holding and a slow pitch. I guess, knowing that as a batter, you know that the powerplay is important,” he said.
SRH’s template of batting first and posting big totals has worked well for them this season. Head expressed satisfaction with their ability to chase down a score, especially after being put under pressure by LSG’s total. “To be able to chase a score tonight after being put under pressure by them batting (first), it feels great,” he said.
Head and Abhishek Sharma have been a formidable opening pair for SRH, involved in three century stands this IPL. “He’s such an exciting talent for Indian cricket, he’s exceptional. We complement each other well and he’s very, very enjoyable to be around,” Head said of Abhishek.
SRH’s middle order has also played a key role, with players like Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, and Abdul Samad contributing consistently. “Everyone is high on confidence, everyone is playing well, we’re not dependent on the top order,” Head emphasized, highlighting the team’s well-rounded performance.
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