IPL 2024: Really impressive, he played with great freedom – Pat Cummins lauds Abhishek Sharma for match-winning knock

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins hailed youngster Abhishek Sharma for his match-winning knock of 63 runs off just 23 balls against Mumbai Indians at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad on Wednesday after their 31-run win.

The left-hander was able to hit the ground running and took the attack against MI bowlers along with Travis Head. Sharma added a quick alliance of 68 runs with Head off just 22 balls as both left-handers took MI bowling to the cleaners.

Head completed his fifty off just 18 balls, scoring the fastest half-century for SRH. However, the Australian’s record was soon broken by Sharma, who got to the personal milestone off just 16 balls. Sharma smashed three fours and seven maximums in his blistering knock as he scored his runs at a strike rate of 273.91.

Pat Cummins said in the post-match presentation, “Really impressive, in IPL you play with a lot of pressure but Abhishek plays with great freedom.”

On plans in the first innings, the Australian said, “You never play for 270, but we wanted to be positive and be aggressive, take the game on. It was a good wicket, so we have to suck it up knowing we would go for a few boundaries. What’s important is to have clear plans with the ball.”

Cummins admitted it was an insane game as more than 500 runs were scored. The fast bowler was delighted that they kept MI at bay in the run-chase.

Cummins, “That was insane. The ball was really pinging around. Not until we bowled, it got a bit too close for comfort. They found a boundary whenever they needed it, but we finished it off well.”

Speaking on home support, Cummins said, “Amazing atmosphere in the ground, enjoyed playing here, was incredibly loud.”

Sunrisers Hyderabad will next face Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday.