Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul on Wednesday said they were completely dominated by the incredible hitting power of Sunrisers Hyderabad openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, calling him an “unreal hitter”. Head and Sharma added another chapter to their ruthless domination of the bowlers while scoring unbeaten fifties at lightning speed to propel SRH to a convincing 10-wicket win over LSG in a crucial IPL match. Chasing a modest 166, Head (89 not out, 30 balls, 8×4, 8×6) and Sharma (75 not out, 28 balls, 8×4, 6×6) bowled with the LSG bowlers , finding boundaries and sixes at will to get home in just 9.4 overs. .
“I am at a loss for words. We watched this kind of strike on television. But it’s an unreal strike. Everything seemed to find the middle of the bat. Congratulations on their skills. They worked hard on their six hitting skills. They didn’t give us a chance to know what the pitch was playing in the second innings. It was difficult to stop them when they were going from the first ball,” he said.
This was after the SRH bowlers started brightly before Badoni (55 not out off 30 balls) and Pooran (48 not out off 25 balls) made crucial 95 runs off 55 balls for the unbeaten fifth wicket to guide LSG to a 165 competitive for four on a sluggish pitch.
Rahul blamed the defeat on their poor performance with the bat in the powerplay, of which they scored only 27 runs for the loss of two wickets.
“Once you’re on the losing side, there are question marks over decisions made. We were missing 40 to 50 points. When we lost wickets in the powerplay, we couldn’t get any momentum.
“Ayush (Badoni) and Nicky batted well to take us to 166. But even if we had got 240, they could have chased it too,” he admitted.
SRH skipper Pat Cummins said it was an “unreal” batting display from Head and Sharma.
“The boys (Head and Sharma) have had a fantastic season, but to win with less than 10 overs bowled is unreal,” he said.
“We just let them go, they are two guys who are very positive and I’m a bowler, it’s difficult for me to give them my opinion.” Cummins praised Head and Sharma effusively.
“He (Head) has been like that for 2 years, he hits the tough areas, hits the middle a lot, maybe it’s not super conventional.
“(Abhishek) Just an incredible player with his spin and pace. With only 2 fielders, it’s really tough for the bowlers against them,” he said.
-Head, who was adjudged player of the match for his pyrotechnic performances, said he really enjoyed playing with Sharma as they complemented each other well.
“Lots of fun today. It’s nice to have achieved that in 10 overs. Abhi (Sharma) and I have had a few partnerships like this. Just focus on the right positions, watch the ball carefully and try to maximize the power play,” he said. said.
“I know how hard he (Abhishek Sharma) works and how deeply he thinks, his spin game is second to none. We complement each other very well. Nice to see him back among the points after missing the last two games. “
Abhishek remercie Lara, Yuvraj
After his hurricane fifty, Abhishek thanked two left-handers, who had enthused the crowd during their playing days, for his success in the ongoing IPL: Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara.
“I think the hard work I put in before the tournament is showing now, thanks to Yuvi Paaji, Brian (Lara) as well and my father, who is my first coach,” he said.
Abhishek also thanked the SRH team management for the trust reposed in him.
“I never thought I would come to such a tournament and play at such a striking rate, but thanks to the team management.
“The message was clear from them and I supported myself.” There was a special mention of his opening partner – Head.
“All the credit goes to him (Head). The way he starts against all the bowlers… he chases them from the start and takes the pressure off me.”
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