IPL 2024: KL Rahul, Pat Cummins give their views on Hyderabad pitch after SRH destroy LSG

In a significant turnaround after just one win in their previous four matches, Sunriers Hyderabad (SRH) greatly strengthened their desire to play by a a resounding victory by ten wickets over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 57 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Wednesday (May 8). Pursuing the goal of 166, Travis Head again Abhishek Sharma unleashed a relentless onslaught on the LSG bowlers, guiding their side to victory in just 9.4 overs. This feat not only secured the win but also cemented its place in history as the fastest 150+ run ever recorded in T20 cricket.

SRH’s comeback win over LSG in IPL 2024

SRH dominated the powerplay, reaching 107/0, almost four times LSG’s paltry score of 27/2 in the first six overs. This stands as LSG’s lowest powerplay total in their short IPL history. Despite initial impressions of a sluggish voice, Head and Abhishek dispelled any doubts with their aggressive batting, showing their dominance regardless of the circumstances.

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Demonstration of KL Rahul in Hyderabad area

After the match, LSG captain KL Rahul expressed his belief that early wickets in the powerplay could have changed the course of the game, but lamented LSG’s failure to capitalize in that crucial phase. He noted that although the conditions on the field have not changed, the aggressive mentality and freedom shown by Head and Abhishek has made it a challenge to contain. Rahul emphasized that when the batsmen are in such form and rhythm, it becomes very difficult to stop their momentum.

“I think the pitch hasn’t changed much, but when you have two batsmen who come in with that kind of mentality and freedom, and they just get away from the ball and everything connects, it’s really hard to stop them. The only way to stop such teams is to get wickets in the powerplay. Unfortunately, if you don’t, you’re in trouble. That is what we experienced today,” Rahul said during the press conference after the match.

However, KL Rahul admitted that despite falling short by 40-50 runs in the first innings, the aggressive intent shown by SRH suggested that even the target of 240 could have been achieved on the night, ultimately sealing the fate for LSG.

“It was difficult to stop them as they lost by one ball. If you are on the losing side, there are question marks on the decisions taken. We were 40-50 runs short. When we lost wickets in the powerplay, we couldn’t get any momentum. Ayush and Nicky batted well to take us to 166. But even if we had got 240, they would have chased too,” the 32-year-old added.

“Even if we could get 240, they would chase it.” – KL Rahul 🗣#cricket #IPL2024 #beauty #SRHvLSG #travishead #AbhishekSharma #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/AnxM1xv8iG

– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 9, 2024

Comment by Pat Cummins

After the match, SRH captain Pat Cummins jokingly suggested that the field might be changed during the clash, implying that perhaps Head and Abhishek had already done so. Notably, when LSG batted, the pitch appeared to be loose, but it appeared to undergo a significant change during SRH’s innings, presenting a different challenge altogether.

“Maybe Travis and Abhishek did. We just let them go, they are two hopeful guys and I am a bowler, it is difficult for me to give them blows,” Cummins said.

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