SRH VS PBKS MATCH 69

Right then, stay tuned for more insights and reactions as the action now shifts to Guwahati where Kolkata are taking on Rajasthan to decide who takes the second place. Meanwhile, the Hyderabad players are taking a victory lap thanking their fans. Kolkata is sitting on top of the table will be looking to stay there and the fight for the second place is between Rajasthan and Hyderabad. If Rajasthan win the game they will be in the second spot and if they don't, Hyderabad will stay at number 2. Let's see what happens there but till then, switch tabs to enjoy the upcoming game. Have a good day!

Abhishek Sharma, named Player of the Match for his fantastic knock, reflects on his performance, expressing that it was only a matter of time before he hit his stride. He believes that his current good form is an opportunity to contribute significantly to his team. From the first ball, his intent was aggressive, aiming to target the bowlers given the substantial target. Abhishek credits his hard work before the season, particularly during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he focused on targeting and dominating bowlers. He mentions the influence of Brian Lara, under whom he worked extensively last year, and continues to stay in touch. Abhishek notes his strategy of waiting for the right balls, exploiting loose deliveries, and keeping the bowlers under pressure by maintaining a defensive mindset.

Pat Cummins, the skipper of Hyderabad, says it is nice get this kind of support away from his home. Adds that they ended up winning probably 6 out of 7 home games and the fans have been amazing. Tells that he has enjoyed a lot with this team and everything is clicking for them. Praises Abhishek Sharma for his batting performance and says he would not want to bowl to him as he is a class player. Also credits Nitish Reddy and says that he is an excellent players and can contribute in all three departments which is great for the team. Mentions that they will now wait and see what happens in the next game, but he is excited as he has not played in the finals of this tournament and is looking forward to it. Ends by saying with a smile on his face that it is a shame that it is raining in Guwahati at the moment.

... TIME FOR PRESENTATIONS ...

Jitesh Sharma, the captain of Punjab says that he enjoyed leading the side and is proud of his boys for their efforts. Adds that they posted a good total on the board without many overseas players and he thought they would defend it. Tells that his bowlers were good but credits Abhishek and Klaasen for their batting performance. Mentions that the discussions won't help unless you imply them on the ground and they looked at the pitch and thought they would bat first. Ends by saying he enjoyed a lot with this bunch and looking forward to the next season.

Heinrich Klaasen says that it is nice when he hears someone call him by his first name. Adds that he practice those back foot shots against the spinners and also behind the square. Tells that it was nice to hit a few big hits and that has put a smile back on his face. Mentions that he found something to challenge himself with the spinners in the nets and he has started to watch the ball more. Says that it has been a long couple of months and the break came at the perfect time. Ends by saying that they will support Kolkata in their game against Rajasthan.

Earlier in the evening, Punjab won the toss and elected to bat first. They got off to a flying start, with openers Atharva Taide and Prabhsimran Singh playing some scintillating shots. The Hyderabad bowlers struggled with their lines and lengths, allowing the Punjab openers to capitalize and score freely. At the end of the powerplay, Punjab had raced to 61 without loss. Taide was the first to depart, falling for a well-made 46 off 27 balls in the 10th over, bringing an end to a 97-run opening stand. Prabhsimran Singh continued to anchor the innings, bringing up a composed fifty. He found able support in Rilee Rossouw, and the duo added 54 runs for the second wicket. Prabhsimran was eventually dismissed for 71, while Rossouw narrowly missed out on his fifty, falling for 49. Punjab lost momentum briefly after Rossouw's dismissal, but stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma provided the perfect finish. His quickfire unbeaten 32 off just 15 balls propelled Punjab to a formidable total of 214/5. For Hyderabad, T Natarajan was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets for 33 runs in his four overs. Pat Cummins and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth also chipped in with a wicket each but were on the expensive side. Their efforts, however, set the stage for their batters to chase down the total successfully. The match showcased the unpredictability and excitement that T20 cricket is known for. Hyderabad’s victory was a testament to their depth and resilience, as they overcame early setbacks to chase down a daunting target. Their bowlers, despite a few wayward overs, did enough to restrict Punjab to a manageable total, which their batters then chased down with calculated aggression and composure. Punjab, on the other hand, will reflect on missed opportunities and inconsistent performances that have plagued their season. Despite a strong start and some standout individual performances, they were unable to maintain the momentum needed to secure a win in this crucial match.

The chase for Hyderabad began on a shaky note. Travis Head, who has been in exceptional form, was dismissed for a golden duck on the very first ball. This early setback brought Rahul Tripathi to the crease. Tripathi, unperturbed by the situation, adopted an aggressive approach from the outset. Partnering with Abhishek Sharma, the duo scored at a rapid pace. They put together a crucial 72-run stand for the second wicket before Tripathi was dismissed for a brisk 33. By the end of the powerplay, Hyderabad had reached 84/2, setting a solid foundation for their chase. Abhishek Sharma continued his aggressive onslaught, racing to his fifty off just 21 balls. Batting at number four, Nitish Reddy also played a vital role, showcasing some elegant strokes and keeping Punjab at bay. Abhishek eventually fell for a scintillating 66 off 28 balls, trying one shot too many and holing out in the deep. His dismissal brought Heinrich Klaasen to the crease, who joined forces with Reddy to keep the required run rate under control. The pair added 47 runs before Reddy was dismissed for a well-made 37, courtesy of Harshal Patel. Klaasen then took charge, playing some exquisite strokes and ensuring there were no further hiccups in the chase. However, he was bowled for 42 with Hyderabad still needing seven runs for victory. Despite the best efforts of Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel, who took two wickets each, Punjab failed to defend their total.

Hyderabad have chased down 215 runs with ease and are aiming for the second spot in the table, now they are waiting for the match between Kolkata and Rajasthan. Punjab finish 9th on the ladder and end their 2024 journey with a loss. As the dust settles on an exhilarating match, Hyderabad emerges victorious, defeating Punjab by four wickets to secure their eighth win in the Indian T20 League 2024. This triumph propels them to the second spot on the points table. The result of the evening game will now determine whether they play the first Qualifier or the Eliminator. In stark contrast, Punjab finds themselves finishing ninth on the table, having managed only five wins throughout the season.

FOUR! Powered away! Sanvir Singh hits the winning runs! Atharva Taide lands this short and on middle, Sanvir Singh stays back and thumps it over the bowler's head for a boundary. HYDERABAD WIN BY 4 WICKETS!

Flighted, full and on off, Sanvir Singh uses his feet and drills it towards long off for one. Hyderabad one hit away from the win now!

Slower through the air, full and on leg, Sanvir Singh makes room but punches it straight to extra covers.

Shortish and on middle, Abdul Samad punches it past short mid-wicket again for one.

Flighted, full and on middle, Sanvir Singh flicks it uppishly but wide of short mid-wicket for another run.

Sanvir Singh walks out to bat for Hyderabad.

OUT! TIMBER! Harpreet Brar gets a wicket now! He bowls this flatter, full and on middle, Heinrich Klaasen moves across and tries for the scoop, but misses the ball completely as it shatters the stumps. He is disappointed with himself as he fails to stay there till the end but has played his part.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Abdul Samad goes for the slog but gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.