Cricket

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.

Punjab Kings' stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and elected to bat first against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their penultimate Indian Premier League (IPL) contest in Hyderabad on May 19. While Punjab Kings are out of contention for making the IPL playoffs for the 10th year in a row, Sunrisers Hyderabad are eyeing two points from this game to bolster their chances of finishing second. SRH are currently third in the points table with 15 points, behind table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, who play later in the day. The outcomes of both games on Sunday will finalise the team standings as well as playoffs fixtures in Ahmedabad and Chennai. KKR, RR, SRH, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the four teams to have made the playoffs this year.Punjab Kings, led by Sharma, posted a competitive total of 151/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Prabhsimran Singh top-scored with a 41-ball 56, while Jitesh Sharma contributed a valuable 29 off 24 deliveries. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan picked up two wickets each.In reply, Sunrisers Hyderabad fell short by 12 runs, finishing on 139/9. Abhishek Sharma (43) and Rahul Tripathi (34) provided a solid start, but the middle order failed to capitalize. Punjab Kings' bowlers shared the wickets, with Rishi Dhawan, Harpreet Brar, and Rahul Chahar taking two wickets each.The victory for Punjab Kings was their sixth of the season, while Sunrisers Hyderabad suffered their eighth defeat. Both teams will play their final league matches on May 22, with Punjab Kings facing Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Mumbai Indians.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed an unprecedented explosion of run-scoring, with eight totals exceeding 250 runs and a record-breaking number of sixes. Amidst this run-fest, young Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a standout performer, showcasing his exceptional batting prowess.The 23-year-old from Punjab has amassed 401 runs in 12 innings at a staggering strike rate of 205.64, hitting the most sixes (35) and boasting the highest strike rate among batters with 400 or more runs. Sharma's breathtaking strokeplay has propelled him to the forefront of the tournament, holding his own against established names at the top of the order.After leading India to the U-19 Asia Cup title in 2016 and being part of the 2018 U-19 World Cup-winning squad, Sharma was picked up by Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) in 2018. He joined SRH the following year but initially struggled to secure regular playing time.However, in 2022, Sharma's career took a significant turn. The Sunrisers retained him for Rs.6.5 crore, and he repaid their faith with 426 runs that season. Despite a relatively quiet IPL in 2023 (226 runs), he delivered a stellar performance in domestic cricket, powering Punjab to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy with 480 runs at a strike rate of over 180.In IPL 2024, Sharma has truly announced himself as a force to be reckoned with. He has formed a formidable opening partnership with Travis Head, who has also been in scintillating form. Together, they have instilled a sense of fear among the opposition, with Sharma's aggressive square-of-the-wicket play and clean swing of the bat proving particularly devastating.Sharma's standout knocks include a 23-ball 63 against Mumbai Indians, a 12-ball 37 against Chennai Super Kings, a 12-ball 46 against Delhi Capitals, a 13-ball 31 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, and a 28-ball 75* against Lucknow Super Giants.While Sharma may not have made it to India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, his performances in the IPL suggest that he is likely to be in the mix as some of the senior players move on. With batting in the shortest format becoming increasingly aggressive, Sharma's ability to lead the onslaught makes him a valuable asset for the future.

Shubman Gill, the rising star of Indian cricket, recently displayed his humility and respect for his roots during the abandoned Sunrisers Hyderabad-Gujarat Titans match in Hyderabad. Despite the match being called off due to rain, Gill took the time to meet and greet the family of Abhishek Sharma, his former teammate from Punjab and the U19 World Cup.In a heartwarming video that has gone viral, Gill is seen bending down to touch the feet of Abhishek's mother, who reciprocates with affection and blessings. He also shakes hands with Abhishek's sister, showcasing the strong bond between the two players.Gill and Abhishek have a long history together, having played for Punjab in domestic cricket and for India in the successful 2018 U19 World Cup campaign. Abhishek has expressed admiration for Gill's dominance and motivation, stating that he learns a lot from him.Despite being opponents in the IPL, Gill and Abhishek maintain a close friendship. They have played together since the under-12 level, and their bond remains strong. Abhishek has credited Gill for motivating him to perform well and dominate matches.In the 2023 IPL season, Gill scored 426 runs in 12 matches for Gujarat Titans, while Abhishek has amassed 401 runs in 12 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Abhishek will be looking to increase his tally in the playoffs and help Sunrisers Hyderabad secure their second IPL title.Gill's gesture of respect and humility towards Abhishek's family highlights his strong character and values. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining connections and appreciating the support of those who have helped shape one's journey.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) explosive opener Abhishek Sharma once again showcased his exceptional batting prowess in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on May 8. However, his parents were left disappointed after missing the opportunity to witness their son's brilliance due to an unfortunate error.In SRH's emphatic 10-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, Sharma played a pivotal role, smashing an unbeaten 75 off just 28 deliveries. His blistering knock, coupled with Travis Head's equally impressive 89 not out off 30 balls, propelled Hyderabad to their target of 166 in a mere 9.4 overs.Post-match, Sharma was seen engaged in a phone conversation, prompting the anchor to inquire about the identity of the caller. To everyone's surprise, Sharma revealed, "I was talking to my mom and dad. They were scheduled to come for this match, but unfortunately, I booked them a flight for home from another location. I had to book for Hyderabad, but I booked for Amritsar."Sharma's parents had planned to attend the match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, but his booking error prevented them from doing so. The incident has become a source of amusement among fans and highlights the importance of double-checking travel arrangements.Despite the setback, Sharma's performance has been a major positive for SRH. The left-handed batsman has emerged as a key player for the Hyderabad franchise, consistently delivering match-winning contributions. His ability to score runs at a rapid pace and provide stability at the top of the order has been crucial to SRH's success this season.With seven wins from 12 matches, SRH currently occupies the third position in the points table. They will be aiming to maintain their momentum and secure a playoff berth in the remaining matches of the tournament.

Abhishek Sharma, the 23-year-old Sunrisers Hyderabad opener, has attributed his success in the ongoing IPL to the unwavering support of skipper Pat Cummins and the entire think-tank. Sharma has been a revelation for Hyderabad this season, amassing 401 runs from 12 matches at an astonishing strike rate of 205."Our support staff and Pat (Cummins), the way they think, I have never seen anyone else think like that," Sharma said after Hyderabad's record 10-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. "They're like, 'Go out there and express yourself. Play as aggressively as you can, we'll back you.' I think that matters a lot."Sharma's aggressive approach has paid dividends, as he has hit 35 sixes so far, the highest by any batter this season. Along with Travis Head, Sharma has rewritten the record for the quickest chase of 150-plus in T20 cricket, scaling down 166 in just 9.4 overs.Sharma credits his success to the approach he adopted during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he played a key role in Punjab's domestic T20 title win last season. "I feel when I play this way, look at the ball, and react, my shots come off better and the bowler comes under pressure," he said.Sharma has been particularly impressed by Head's ability to play spin. "I don't think anyone plays spin better than Travis," he said. "The shots he hit off (Krishnappa) Gowtham, normally batters can't do that, that shows how special he is."Sharma and Head have formed a formidable partnership, smashing several batting records this season. Sharma believes their understanding and friendship off the pitch have contributed to their success.Against the LSG bowlers, Sharma and Head had a specific strategy for dealing with the cutters. "They were bowling cutters in the middle," Sharma said. "I thought the cutters could slow down on their way, but Travis and I had planned to play it the way you would hit a spinner with the spin."Sharma's success in the IPL is a testament to the support he has received from the Hyderabad think-tank and his own aggressive approach. He will be looking to continue his impressive form as Hyderabad aim to make a strong push for the playoffs.

Travis Head, the destructive Australian batter, has hailed his Sunrisers Hyderabad opening partner Abhishek Sharma as an exceptional talent for Indian cricket. The duo's explosive partnership propelled SRH to a record-breaking chase in the Indian Premier League (IPL).Head (89 not out off 30) and Sharma (75 not out off 28) annihilated the Lucknow Super Giants' 166-run target in just 9.4 overs, setting a new record for the highest 10-over score in men's T20 cricket. The southpaws unleashed a barrage of fours and sixes, showcasing their immense power-hitting abilities."The partnership with Abhi has been fantastic, he's such an exciting talent for Indian cricket," Head said in the post-match press conference. "We complement each other so well and he's very very enjoyable to be around, he's so excited and thinks about the game and yeah he's got a lot of energy so it's a great partnership to be involved in."Head is in top form ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Americas next month, having amassed 533 runs in 11 innings at an astonishing strike rate of 201.89. Sharma too has been striking at over 200."Whenever you're playing you want to be be as consistent as you can, you want to be getting runs. It's nice to be among the runs been nice to be playing well. That's not going to guarantee anything in the West Indies but it gives me the best chance to be in a very good mindset," said Head."Working hard on training and I think we face a fair bit of spin in the Caribbean and wickets might become tougher as the tournament goes. So very pleased with how I played spin tonight, things that I'm working on in training are somewhat working in the moment," he added.Sharma has also earned high praise from West Indies legend Brian Lara, who is a former coach of SRH. "Again he is someone who I met while I was batting coach of SRH. I spent two years there. I am allowed to a bit biased when I see a left-hander, I just love a left-hander.""Myself and Abhishek have developed a very good relationship, these youngsters are very humble. they want to learn," Lara had said.

After Sunrisers Hyderabad's emphatic victory over Lucknow Super Giants, former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh heaped praise on the SRH openers, particularly young Indian batter Abhishek Sharma. Sharma's stellar performance prompted him to express gratitude towards Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara, and his father for their guidance and support.Sharma acknowledged the profound impact of experienced players in nurturing emerging talents, stating, "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."Yuvraj Singh responded to Sharma's heartfelt gratitude with a spirited message, urging the young batter to maintain positivity and perseverance. "Well played @IamAbhiSharma4. Be consistent, be patient! Your time is around the corner! @travishead34 what planet are you batting on, my friend? Unreal!!! #SRHvsLSG #IPL2024," Yuvraj posted.Yuvraj's words of encouragement resonated deeply, reaffirming the belief in Sharma's potential and reminding him that his time for international cricket will come.Head and Sharma continue to dominate the IPL six-hitting batters' chart with their exceptional batting prowess. Yuvraj's message serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, highlighting the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) unleashed an unprecedented batting onslaught to annihilate Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday. Openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma tore apart the LSG bowling attack, chasing down the 166-run target in a mere 45 minutes.Head and Sharma's explosive partnership of 148 runs off just 30 boundary deliveries (16 fours, 14 sixes) shattered numerous IPL records. They reached their respective half-centuries in just 16 and 19 balls, respectively, and continued their relentless assault to guide SRH to a comprehensive victory in under 10 overs.LSG's only moment of respite came in the first over, which yielded just 8 runs. However, Abhishek Sharma's dominance over Yash Thakur (4 consecutive boundaries) and Head's exploitation of Krishnappa Gowtham (22 runs off one over) set the tone for SRH's record-breaking chase.SRH's remarkable run-chase established several new milestones in IPL history:* Highest total after the first 10 overs: 167/0 (9.4 overs)* Winning with most balls to spare (100+ targets): 62 balls* Highest Powerplay total: 107/0* Fewest balls to a 100-run partnership: 30 ballsThe duo's blistering performance also highlighted SRH's resurgence under new captain Aiden Markram. After a disappointing start to the season, the Hyderabad-based franchise has now won two consecutive matches, showcasing their potential as a formidable force in the IPL.