Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) faced the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 69th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The hosts had already secured a spot in the playoffs but were aiming for a top-two finish, which required a win today and another favorable result. However, the game panned out as SRH wanted as they were able to thump down PBKS by four wickets and occupy the second spot on the points table. 

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Let us look at the highlights from the match; 

PBKS post a solid 215 runs batting first 

Punjab Kings won the toss and opted to bat first, aiming to set a massive total on the scoreboard. In the penultimate league stage match of IPL 2024, SRH broke several batting records, but only after losing the toss and being forced to bowl first. Punjab Kings’ innings were anchored by their top three: Prabhsimran Singh with 71 (45), Atharva Taide with 46 (27), and Rilee Rossouw with 49 (24). Stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma added a quick 32* (15) in a late cameo, pushing PBKS to a total that would require SRH to pull off a record chase. 

SRH chase down the total with four wickets in hand 

Sunrisers Hyderabad had a disastrous start in their chase as Travis Head was bowled by Arshdeep Singh on the first ball. Rahul Tripathi and Abhishek Sharma steadied the innings with a quick 72-run partnership in just 29 deliveries before Tripathi was dismissed by Harshal Patel.

At the end of the powerplay, SRH had 84 runs for two wickets. Abhishek Sharma scored a rapid fifty, but was dismissed by Shashank Singh in the 10th over. Heinrich Klaasen joined Nitish Reddy, who soon fell to Patel. Despite a dropped catch by Patel, SRH required just over a run-a-ball. Klaasen and Shahbaz Ahmed added 21 runs before Klaasen and later Shahbaz were dismissed, but the target was within reach. Abdul Samad and Sanvir Singh sealed the win comfortably for SRH. 

Abhishek Sharma was a class act  

Abhishek Sharma has been a standout performer in the ongoing mega event, leading the six-hitting chart. He once again showcased his skills with a stunning innings of 66 runs off just 28 balls, featuring five fours and six sixes. His outstanding performance played a crucial role in ensuring his team chased down a substantial total with ease.