Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) delivered a record-breaking performance as they thrashed Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 10 wickets in their IPL 2024 encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The dominant opening partnership between Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma ensured a swift chase, as SRH overhauled LSG’s total of 165/4 in just 9.4 overs.
SRH’s opening duo was relentless from the start, capitalizing on the improved conditions in the second innings. Despite a slow surface, Head and Sharma displayed fearless intent, sending balls flying into the stands. They amassed an incredible 107 runs during the Powerplay, with Head reaching his half-century in 16 balls and Sharma following with a 19-ball fifty. This marked the second time SRH scored over 100 runs in the Powerplay this season.
Head showcased a dynamic range of shots, often moving around the crease to create angles, while Sharma’s approach was more conventional, hitting through the line to clear the boundary ropes. Their aggressive batting left LSG’s bowlers shell-shocked and without ideas, leading to a rapid finish that boosted SRH’s net run rate (+0.406), catapulting them to third place on the points table.
In contrast, LSG’s batting struggled on the slow surface. The top order found it challenging to score quickly, with only three sixes and one boundary in the first 10 overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s disciplined bowling set the tone for SRH, as he maintained a stump-to-stump line and extracted value from a sluggish pitch. His consistency, coupled with sharp fielding, contributed to LSG’s lowest Powerplay score of the season (27/2).
LSG’s innings was rescued by a resilient partnership between Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran. Badoni’s street-smart batting, relying on his backfoot play and delicate wristwork, allowed him to score freely even on a slow pitch. He found an excellent partner in Pooran, whose quick bat swing helped him overcome the sluggishness of the surface. The pair added 99 runs, providing LSG with a competitive total of 165/4.
The standout bowler for SRH was Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took 2/12 in his four overs. Young Sri Lankan leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyashkanth made an impressive IPL debut, showcasing his potential to provide an attacking option in the middle overs, a promising sign for SRH as the tournament progresses.
Despite the fighting total, LSG’s bowling was outclassed by SRH’s ferocious batting. The defeat delivered a blow to LSG’s playoff hopes, leaving them with significant questions to address in their remaining fixtures.
Brief Scores:
- Lucknow Super Giants 165/4 in 20 overs (Ayush Badoni 55 not out, Nicholas Pooran 48; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/12)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad 167/0 in 9.4 overs (Travis Head 89 not out, Abhishek Sharma 75 not out) by 10 wickets.
