In the end, Abhishek Sharma’s all-round heroics proved enough to see off a Delhi Capitals side that rode on a superlative display from Mitchell Marsh to nearly chase down a target of 198. Ultimately, though, Sunrisers Hyderabad were able to avenge their loss to Delhi on home turf less than a week earlier. Here are our takeaways from the match.
Abhishek’s day
This was Abhishek’s match. No doubt. Yes, there were other performers but none like him. He batted, he bowled and he conquered. This was such a devastating and telling performance. First, he smashed the Delhi attack with an almost one-man show early in the innings. He hit them to all parts of the field with perfect connection. There was nothing wishy-washy about his innings. Everything he attempted came off. And then when he came on to bowl, he was good enough. This was a superb all-round performance, not something that the IPL witnesses on a daily basis. A majestic 67 off 37 balls and then 1-26 in 3 overs – it was quite special.
Feel for Marsh
What about Marsh? He came incredibly close to running away with both the Player of the Match award and the match. Actually, he was the main player of the match. That kind of bowling effort backed up by such robust hitting. It was spectacular. He was certain to get the most valuable contribution award. This was telling bowling and batting. Figures of 4-27 and 63 off 39 are not what you come across every so often. Marsh was very, very special tonight. Unfortunately, as happens so often in the IPL, he had to end up on the losing side. Even then, Marsh’s effort was quite remarkable.
Shankar-Miller Trump Gurbaz Blitz at Eden
Klaasen apart
Talk about Heinrich Klassen? His knock of 53 from 27 balls made a huge difference. At a point in time, it seemed as if Sunrisers Hyderabad were going to settle for something below 180. That’s where the South African international stepped up and took the game away from Delhi Capitals. Eventually, they ended up agonisingly short of 200, on 197. His straight hitting was incredible. He packs an enormous amount of power in his shots. More importantly, his placement of strokes is impeccable. He was up against some of the world’s best bowlers, and yet, he carted them away to different corners. This was the game-changing effort of the match.
Axar as well
One must also talk about Axar Patel. What a game he had! Yes, his last-ditch attempt with the bat did not take his team to a win, but how did he bowl! Do not go only by the figures of 4-0-29-1, which looks unremarkable after that last-ball six hit by Klassen. Axar was on the money all the time in this game. He was making a huge difference. It’s a pity that he had to end up on the losing side. This was a superlative display of bowling, batting and fielding skill. You do not come across something like this often. Bad luck, Axar, super performance.
Two ordinary teams
Tale of two teams going south. This was the second encounter between these two sides within a week. Both are struggling to make a mark. So many illustrious names in the dugout. Brian Lara, Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting. You know what? Big names in that area do not matter. What does is what the players are doing on the field. In that regard, both Delhi and Hyderabad have done quite badly this season. Their chances of qualifying for the play-offs are nearly over. Time to start afresh, plan again and come back better?