In Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2024 in Chennai on May 24, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a margin of 36 runs thanks to a fantastic all-around effort from young Abhishek Sharma. Even if his brilliant hitting has been a season highlight, his left-arm spin was crucial in the final game.
With a 175, SRH launched early attacks, but RR managed to stay in the hunt thanks to Dhruv Jurel’s 56-run counterattack. As the pitch began to change, captain Pat Cummins looked to his spinners, Shahbaz Ahmed and Abhishek, to manage the run flow.
The strategy was effective as the pair shared five wickets, which led to RR’s collapse. Abhishek did not give up a boundary in his first three overs and finished with statistics of 2/24 from his four overs. Shimron Hetmyer and captain Sanju Samson were two of his most important wickets.
“To be really honest, I had no idea that I would bowl in this match, but because I’ve been practicing a lot, I felt quite prepared. My batting has been good the past two years, so I wanted to practice with my dad. So, particular recognition to my dad,” he declared during the news conference following the game.
Patty made excellent use of the spinners: Abhishek Sharma
The 23-year-old was first thought of as a batting all-rounder, but with 482 runs at a strike rate of 207.75 this season, he was thrilled to contribute to his team’s victory in a match as important as the Qualifier 2 .
“Patty Cummins did a great job with the spinners. In the second inning, there was increased turn. (No dew, which explains why more part-time spin) I believe that the pressure I placed on our team during the practice session is what may have given me the opportunity (smiles). I did well, though, along with Shahbaz,” he said.
Abhishek disclosed that his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy performance, in which he bowled 20 overs for Punjab, the winners, gave him confidence that he might bowl more this season.
It originated with the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The momentum started when we took home the Punjab Trophy. The discussions at the meetings where the hitters were allowed to roam around gave me confidence for this season.” (Final) Playing in the IPL final is one of my goals, and this year it will come true,” he continued.
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The Hyderabad-based team advanced to the tournament’s 17th edition finals with this resounding victory. They will play the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the grand finals on May 26 at the same location in an attempt to win the league’s second championship ever.
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