PBKS vs SRH, 23rd Match at Mohali, IPL, Apr 09 2024 – Indian Premier League

Though their paths to get there could not have been more different, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings seem to have had somewhat similar travels thus far in IPL—two victories from four games and sitting in the centre of the points table. If Kings have been the second-worst bowling team in the death overs (17–20) this IPL, surrendering runs at 12.65, Sunrisers have been the second-quickest batting team in powerplays this IPL (before the CSK vs. KKR game on Monday) with a run rate of 11.66.

The Sunrisers’ new batting technique in 2017 IPL has been mostly influenced by the performance of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma at the top. Head continued in fine form from 2023, but many were taken aback by Abhishek’s strength. Though not well-known in Twenty20 cricket, his boundary-hitting has recently left several powerful batsmen in the dust. After accounting for statistics for hitters with at least 50 boundaries in this era, Abhishek has hammered 101 boundaries (47 fours and 54 sixes) in 326 balls, which works equal to one boundary per 3.23 balls, second only to Andre Russell’s 3.12.

Abhishek’s audacious plan has undoubtedly paid off handsomely, even if it carries some risk. Amazingly, he has avoided getting benched despite going for such huge hits on several occasions. Holding the first three slots in the order, he has amassed 101 boundaries in 14 innings and maintained an incredible 46 hitting average. Two centuries in this period of time is an incredible feat that demonstrates his skill at winning. It’s not only the Indian Premier League that Abhishek rules. This is shown by his outstanding performance in the Punjab Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He emerged as the tournament’s second-highest run scorer, with an impressive strike rate of 192.

Abhishek has been playing at an incredible strike rate of 217.56 runs per game during the current Indian Premier League. He has obviously raised his six-hitting frequency this year as compared to the previous two IPL seasons, when he usually struck a six per 25 balls. He is remarkably clearing the boundary ropes five times more often currently, averaging six for every five balls faced, proving his powerful and aggressive hitting style.

Whether in the powerplay or the middle overs, Abhishek Sharma’s outstanding batting ability has been on show against both speed and spin. With Travis Head joining him at the wicket and Heinrich Klaasen and Abdul Samad offering batting depth, the Kings’ bowling unit confronts a formidable task. They will have to up their game dramatically, especially if they want to see better performances from their international bowlers, Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel, in the important final overs.

With four games coming up at Mullanpur, the Kings will be hoping to take advantage of the comfortable surroundings of their home stadium. They will be resolved to surge up the points table and secure their place in the competition, taking use of the benefit of playing at home.