Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 266/7 in 20 overs, where as Delhi Capitals scored 199 all out in 19.1 overs
So, finally Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Delhi Capitals by 67 runs.
Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma emerged as the central figures in a record-breaking Power Play display, propelling Sunrisers Hyderabad past the 250-run milestone for the third time this season, capitalizing on the favorable batting conditions presented by Delhi in its inaugural game of IPL 2024.
The duo orchestrated a formidable 131-run partnership in a mere 6.2 overs, complemented by a blistering half-century later in the innings from Shahbaz Ahmed, culminating in SRH reaching a commanding total of 266/7.
While Delhi Capitals briefly threatened to chase down the target, led by Jake Fraser-McGurk’s scintillating 18-ball 65, T Natarajan’s stellar performance, claiming career-best figures of 4 for 19, dashed any hopes of a comeback, propelling SRH to second place in the standings with a notable boost to their net run rate.
Rishabh Pant won the toss and elected to…
…challenge his bowlers against SRH’s onslaught during the Power Play phase on a batting-friendly pitch.
The initial delivery from Khaleel Ahmed hinted at nothing extraordinary to follow.
However, Head swiftly dispatched the next ball for a six, setting the tone for a relentless assault.
The subsequent overs witnessed a barrage of boundaries and sixes, with Head and Abhishek clearing the ropes a remarkable 11 times out of 36 attempts, showcasing their dominance.
Over 1: Khaleel Ahmed 0, 6, 4, 4, 1, 4 (19 runs)
Over 2: Lalit Yadav 6, 6, 0, 4, 1, 4 (21 runs)
Over 3: Anrich Nortje 4, 4, 0, 4, 4, 6 (22 runs)
Over 4: Lalit Yadav 6, 1, 1, 6, 1, 6 (21 runs)
Over 5: Kuldeep Yadav 6, 6, 1, 0, 1, 6 (20 runs)
Over 6: Mukesh Kumar 4, 4, 4, 4, 0, 6 (22 runs)
Head, fresh from a century in the previous match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, blazed his way to 84 off just 26 balls, narrowly missing Suresh Raina’s record for most runs in a Power Play in IPL history.
He also equaled the then joint-fastest fifty of IPL 2024 in just 16 balls.
Meanwhile, Abhishek, though limited in opportunities, showcased a remarkable strike rate of 400, smashing seven boundaries in his brief stint at the crease, propelling SRH to a staggering 125/0 after six overs, setting a new T20 record.
Axar, Kuldeep provide brief respite for DC
Less than a week prior, SRH had set a new benchmark in T20 cricket with a mammoth total of 287 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
As Head and Abhishek hinted at surpassing their own record, Abhishek’s departure for a brisk 46 halted their momentum, marking the end of a formidable 131-run opening partnership.
The introduction of spinners Kuldeep and Axar momentarily stemmed the flow of runs, with Kuldeep claiming two crucial wickets, including Head’s, to slightly ease the pressure on Delhi’s bowlers.
Shahbaz, Nitish steady the ship before Shahbaz provides the final flourish
Despite the middle overs witnessing a slowdown in scoring rate, SRH remained on course for a formidable total, with Nitish Reddy and Shahbaz Ahmed forging a crucial partnership.
Shahbaz’s explosive innings, comprising a maiden IPL half-century, propelled SRH to their fourth-highest total in IPL history, ensuring a daunting target for Delhi to chase.
Fraser-McGurk shines amidst DC’s struggle
In response, 22-year-old debutant Jake Fraser-McGurk showcased remarkable composure, blitzing his way to the season’s fastest fifty in just 15 balls.
Despite his heroic efforts, DC’s chase faltered, succumbing to Natarajan’s exceptional bowling display, ultimately falling short of the monumental target set by SRH.
Natarajan’s brilliance overshadows Pant’s struggle
Natarajan’s economical bowling, coupled with Delhi’s batting woes, culminated in a comprehensive victory for SRH.
Despite Pant’s valiant effort with the bat, his struggle to find timing mirrored Delhi’s uphill battle against a formidable SRH outfit.
What’s on the horizon for the teams?
Delhi Capitals are gearing up to take on Gujarat Titans on April 24, marking the second match of their three-game home series.
Meanwhile, SRH will head back to their home turf to confront RCB, the same team against which they amassed a whopping 287 runs, on the subsequent day.
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