The predictions about Sunrisers Hyderabad finding it going tough if their top order is dismissed early were proved correct, after the Orange Army’s loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024. Sunrisers posted the highest total in the history of the Indian Premier League against the same opposition in the previous meeting.
Their 287/3 in 20 overs had come on the back of some breathtaking hitting by Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen.
However, all three were sent back early on by the Bengaluru bowlers in Hyderabad, and there was no comeback for the hosts. Chasing 207 runs looked like an easy task for them, but Will Jacks allowed Head to score just 1 run. The RCB bowlers then ran the show. Abhishek (31) was beaten by the clever change of pace by Yash Dayal.
Debutant Swapnil Singh got rid of Aiden Markram (7) and Heinrich Klaasen (7) in one over to put the hosts out of the contest. The remaining willow holders played the waiting game as Hyderabad managed to put up 171/8.
Former India player Irfan Pathan said that Sunrisers have nothing once their top four are dismissed. “The high-flying batting unit of Hyderabad was exposed by RCB. Their middle order has no batter who can take them to a win if the top order fails. RCB managed to dismiss Head Abhishek, Klaasen and Markram, and the team couldn’t recover from the setbacks and lost the game.
“SRH will find things difficult moving forward as other franchises will now plan to stop the top fours as there is no firepower after them. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have same issues. They are also top order heavy,” Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.
