Hyderabad, April 13, 2025
In a match that produced 492 runs combined in two innings, Sunrisers Hyderabad chasing a target of 246 with nine balls to spare had Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer laughing. The Punjab Kings captain also felt things could have been different in Match 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 if his team had taken two exceptional catches.
“It was a fantastic total. It has been making me laugh with the way they have chased it with two overs to spare,” said Shreyas Iyer after the match on Saturday.
Abhishek Sharma tore off pages from IPL record books by scoring 141 off 55 balls, the highest individual score by an Indian batter, the fifth fastest century and the highest successful chase in the league’s history as he along with Travis Head (66 off 37) helped Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Punjab Kings by eight wickets.
Asked what could have changed in the match, Iyer thought that the massive win and how it came about would not have been possible if his team had taken two “exceptional catches”. He also termed Abhishek a bit lucky for the chance PBKS missed.
“We could have taken two exceptional catches. He [Abhishek] was a bit lucky as well even though he played an exceptional knock. Catches win you matches and we fell short there. We didn’t bowl well but we have to go back to the drawing board. The way he smashed the ball and the opening partnership was great. Over here, the over rotation would have been better from my side,” said Iyer.
The SRH captain also felt that New Zealand speedster Lockie Ferguson walking off the field just two balls into his spell, citing hip discomfort, also had a major impact on the match.
“It was a big impact. He is someone who can get you instant wickets. That was a big blow. He is someone who clicks 140 at all times and niggles happen. Other bowlers are also there to win matches. So no excuses,” he added.
Iyer said they thought 230 was a good score to defend and did not admit that they fell 10 runs short.
“When we discussed out there, we thought 230 was a good score. But with the dew coming in, it made the wicket a bit easier. Also, credit was due. The way they batted was out of the world. It was one of the best knocks I have seen in the IPL,” he added.(Agency)
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