Aiden Markram was a relieved captain as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) registered a thrilling four-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 52 of IPL 2023 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Sunday (May 7).
Chasing 215 to win, SRH’s top three – Abhishek Sharma (55 off 34), Anmolpreet Singh (33 off 25) and Rahul Tripathi (47 off 29) – did well to keep their team in the hunt.
However, they lost track in the second half and suffered a little collapse to slump to 174/5. Amid the pressure situation, Glenn Phillips produced a stunning cameo of 7-ball 25 to bring the Sunrisers back into the contest. While Phillips got out in the penultimate over, he made the equation achievable for the Hyderabad-based franchise as they needed 17 off the last over.
Sandeep Sharma was tasked to defend the runs in the final over while Abdul Samad and Marco Jansen were at the crease for SRH. Samad hit the first delivery for a couple, followed by a six and another couple before he took a single on the fourth ball. Jansen managed to take a single on the penultimate delivery to bring Samad back on strike.
With five needed off the final ball, Sandeep gave a no-ball reprieve to Abdul Samad, who smashed the free hit for a six to seal the deal for SRH.
“Emotions turned quite quickly, nice for us to get over the line. Chasing 215 isn't easy, and guys contributed all along to chase a big target,” Markram said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
The SRH skipper was effusive in praise of his batters, who chipped in with vital contributions at different junctures of the game.
“We knew in a quick outfield like this we'll score more than expected, but we had to be aggressive. Abhishek started up off, and then Tripathi gave him company. Then those cameos from Phillips and Klaasy. (On Samad's finishing skills) I think you got to train it, and put yourself under pressure. You are playing high risk cricket, so that's where technique comes in,” he added.
It was SRH’s fourth victory in 10 games this season and they are currently occupying 9th spot on the points table featuring 10 teams.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will next face Lucknow Super Giants on March 13.
