Abhishek Sharma's Fearless Batting Powers SRH to Victory

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper Pat Cummins has lauded young batter Abhishek Sharma for his fearless approach at the crease, which played a pivotal role in their four-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Abhishek, alongside Heinrich Klaasen, delivered powerful performances that propelled SRH to victory, elevating them to the second spot on the points table. Abhishek's display of versatile batting skills during the match in Hyderabad on Sunday was particularly notable, as his contributions played a crucial role in SRH's successful chase against PBKS.

Speaking after the game in the post-match presentation, Cummins said, "It is pretty cool, it is awesome. We have won six out of seven games here (at Hyderabad), it has been great and amazing. I did not know many guys coming into this season, but we have played great cricket and had some fun. Great bunch of guys. He (Abhishek) is amazing. I would not want to bowl to him. It is scary, as he plays with freedom, not only against pacers but also against spinners."

Cummins also heaped praise on young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, for his "maturity beyond his age" and class as a player.

"Really satisfying and exciting. I have not played in finals (of IPL) before, we will know in a few hours which game it is. Playing some really good cricket, excited for what is ahead," he concluded.

Abhishek has been a standout performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) this season, amassing 467 runs in 13 innings, making him the ninth highest run-scorer. His impressive batting average of 38.91 and a phenomenal strike rate of 209.41 underscore his impactful contributions to the team. Abhishek has scored three half-centuries, with an unbeaten 75 being his highest score of the season.

Additionally, another exciting find for SRH this season has been Reddy, whose classy and composed batting style has won hearts and caught the attention of fans and critics alike. In 10 matches, he has scored 276 runs in eight innings at an impressive average of 46.00 and a strike rate of 151.64, including two half-centuries. Reddy has also showcased his utility with the ball, claiming three wickets, further enhancing his value to the SRH squad.

Coming to the match, PBKS won the toss and elected to bat first. A hard-hitting half-century from Prabhsimran Singh (71 in 45 balls, with seven fours and four sixes) and knocks from Rilee Rossouw (49 in 24 balls, with three fours and four sixes) and Atharva Taide (46 in 27 balls, with five fours and two sixes) set the tone for a big total, taking PBKS to 214/5 in their 20 overs.

T Natarajan (2/33) was the pick of the bowlers for SRH.

In the run-chase, after losing Travis Head for a duck, Abhishek Sharma (66 in 28 balls, with five fours and six sixes), Nitish Kumar Reddy (37 in 25 balls, with a four and three sixes) and Heinrich Klaasen (42 in 26 balls, with three fours and two sixes) played fiery knocks to propel SRH to 215/6 in 19.1 overs, winning the game with five balls left.

Arshdeep Singh (2/37) was the pick of the bowlers for PBKS. Abhishek Sharma was the Player of the Match for his quickfire fifty.

Tags: #IPL2023, #SunrisersHyderabad, #PunjabKings, #AbhishekSharma, #NitishKumarReddy