Punjab batter Anmolpreet Singh dazzled with the bat during a Group C fixture of the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (2024-25) against Arunachal Pradesh by smashing the third-fastest List-A ton. The swashbuckling batter achieved this remarkable feat in the space of just 35 balls. He now sits just below Jake Fraser-McGurk and AB de Villiers who took 29 & 31 deliveries respectively to smash a rapid-fire century.  

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Anmolpreet's blitzkrieg with the bat leaves Arunachal Pradesh gasping for breath

Following the early departure of Abhishek Sharma, Anmolpreet walked out to bat at number three with his side needing another 151 runs to win in the remaining 48.3 overs. Realizing that there was barely any pressure on him, the Punjab batter straightaway got into his work and launched a scathing attack on the Arunachal Pradesh bowlers. Their bowlers were left clueless as Anmolpreet unleashed his fireworks which lit up the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

It took him only 35 balls to get to his blazing century which featured 12 fours & nine sixes. Thanks to Anmolpreet's explosive batting performance, Punjab successfully chased down Arunachal Pradesh's paltry target of 165 runs in merely 12.5 overs, securing a massive nine-wicket victory. Anmolpreet remained unbeaten on 115 runs off 45 balls while his opening partner, Prabhsimran Singh, played a rather subdued role and remained not out as well, contributing a more measured 35 runs from 25 balls.

Previous fastest-century records

South African great Ab de Villiers previously held the record for slamming the fastest List-A century. He slammed a 44-ball 144 against West Indies in Johannesburg in January 2015 to become the fastest List-A centurion. In the process, he also managed to become the fastest ODI centurion of all time surpassing Corey Anderson's 100 (36) against West Indies in 2014. 

That record was preserved for several years before it was broken by Australia's Fraser-McGurk who scored a 29-ball hundred for South Australia against Tasmania in a losing effort in the 2023 Marsh Cup in October.

The IPL 2016 champions SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) set a new example of dangerous batting in T20 cricket during the entire IPL 2024. Although we experienced some dominating batting performances previously, we never experienced it consistently for a team in an entire tournament. While SRH are always respectable, they became many fan favourites for their unstoppable entertainment with the bats in the 2014 season.

After failing to qualify for the playoffs for three straight seasons, the IPL 2024 runners-up SRH will surely be desperate for the next season, as the cricket fans will love to see their same dominance with the bats on the field. While they spent INR 75 crore to retain five important capped players, they had INR 45 crore in the purse for the mega auction.

SEE ALSO: Siddarth Kaul announces retirement from Indian cricket

SunRisers Hyderabad: Key additions from the mega auction

As SRH retained some powerful overseas names, they gave importance to the Indian cricketers in the two-day mega auction. They secured Ishan Kishan for INR 11.25 crore, while they spent INR 10 crore and 8 crore for Mohammad Shami and Harshal Patel, respectively. 

Talking about some other important names in the squad, SRH secured Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, Jaydev Unadkat, Kamindu Mendis, etc. 

SRH Full Squad

Batters: Travis Head (retained/Australian), Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Aniket Verma, Sachin Baby 

Wicketkeepers: Heinrich Klaasen (retained/South African), Ishan Kishan

All-rounders: Abhishek Sharma (retained), Nitish Kumar Reddy (retained), Harshal Patel, Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lankan), Brydon Carse (English)

Spinners: Adam Zampa (Australian), Rahul Chahar, Zeeshan Ansari

Pacers: Pat Cummins (retained/Australian), Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Shami, Simarjeet Singh, Eshan Malinga (Sri Lankan)

Brief SWOT analysis

SRH retained the five most important players before the main auction. Once again, they have great names in top and middle-order batting. Also, they have strong names in the bowling line-up, both in the pace and spin. They have some strong names in the all-rounder.

Talking about their problems, one of the issues is having limited options in the Indian batting line-ups. But as the team management has improved a lot in the last season, we can expect continuous better results in the next season. 

SRH Best Possible XI for IPL 2025

Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Reddy, Atharva Taide, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins, Mohammad Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar

IPL 2016 champions SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) stunned last IPL season by setting a powerful batting example, which they produced majorly in that entire tournament. They were very close to winning the IPL 2024 title but finished as the runners-up after suffering a thrashing IPL 2024 final defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders. 

SRH started the IPL 2025 mega auction with the purse remaining for INR 45 crore. Before the auction, SRH retained five capped players, which deducted INR 75 crore from the purse. 

In the mega auction, Indian cricketers Ishan Kishan and Mohammad Shami earned bids of INR 10 crore or over. Harshal Patel, Adam Zampa, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Chahar, Jaydev Unadkat, etc are the other valuable buys for the IPL 2016 champions. While SRH secured three big foreign names in the retention, they majorly targeted on the Indian players in the mega auction. 

Pre Auction Retentions

(Capped)

Heinrich Klaasen (South African): INR 23 Crore

Pat Cummins (Australian): INR 18 Crore

Abhishek Sharma (Indian): INR 14 Crore

Travis Head (Australian): INR 14 Crore

Nitish Kumar Reddy (Indian): INR 6 Crore

(Uncapped)

None

Right-to-Match (RTM) card availability for the mega auction

1 uncapped player

Mega Auction Buys

Ishan Kishan (Indian): Base price INR 2 crore – Bid won INR 11.25 crore

Mohammed Shami (Indian): Base price INR 2 crore – Bid won INR 10 crore

Harshal Patel (Indian): Base price INR 2 crore – Bid won INR 8 crore

Rahul Chahar (Indian): Base price INR 1 crore – Bid won INR 3.20 crore 

Abhinav Manohar (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 3.20 crore

Adam Zampa (Australian): Base price INR 2 crore – Bid won INR 2.40 crore

Simrajeet Singh (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 1.50 crore

Eshan Malinga (Sri Lankan): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 1.20 crore

Brydon Carse (English): Base price INR 1 crore – Bid won INR 1 crore

Jaydev Unadkat (Indian): Base price INR 1 crore – Bid won INR 1 crore

Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lankan): Base price INR 75 lakh – Bid won INR 75 lakh

Zeeshan Ansari (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 40 lakh

Aniket Verma (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 30 lakh

Atharva Taide (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 30 lakh

Sachin Baby (Indian): Base price INR 30 lakh – Bid won INR 30 lakh

Full Squad

Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Mohammad Shami, Harshal Patel, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar, Adam Zampa, Atharva Taide, Abhinav Manohar, Simarjeet Singh, Zeeshan Ansari, Jaydev Unadkat, Brydon Carse, Kamindu Mendis, Aniket Verma, Eshan Malinga, Sachin Baby.

Best Playing XI

Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Reddy, Atharva Taide, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins, Mohammad Shami, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar

One-time IPL champions SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) have named their retained players before the mega auction. 

Starting the IPL journey in the 2013 edition, SRH have impressed with their performances. They won the IPL 2016 after beating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final. They also finished as the runners-up two times, including the last season. 

While Chennai Super Kings beat the SRH in the IPL 2018 final, Kolkata Knight Riders defeated them in the IPL 2024 final. After finishing the previous three seasons in the league stage, captain Pat Cummins’ record-value joining opened their luck in the last season. Although they finished as the runners-up, cricket fans heavily enjoyed their aggressive batting attitude. 

SunRisers Hyderabad player retention

SRH utilised INR 75 crore to secure five capped retentions. The franchise will use the remaining INR 45 crore in the upcoming mega auction.

(Capped)

Heinrich Klaasen (South African): INR 23 Crore

Pat Cummins (Australian): INR 18 Crore

Abhishek Sharma (Indian): INR 14 Crore

Travis Head (Australian): INR 14 Crore

Nitish Kumar Reddy (Indian): INR 6 Crore

(Uncapped)

None

Right-to-Match (RTM) card availability for the mega auction

1 uncapped player

The IPL retention deadline is less than 24 hours away, and the SunRisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) possible retention has been revealed, including two new additions.

October 31 is the deadline for the IPL retention. Earlier, ESPNcricinfo reported that Heinrich Klaasen will be the top retained player for SRH, along with Pat Cummins and Abhishek Sharma. That report also suggested that Klaasen will be valued at INR 23 crore, while the captain Cummins’ value will be INR 18 crore. Abhishek Sharma will earn INR 14 crore. 

SEE ALSO: CSK’s retention hints spark IPL 2025 buzz

Travis Head and Nitish Kumar Reddy are the other retentions for SRH

Now, ESPNcricinfo has brought another information about SRH retention. Without any surprise, Australian cricketer Travis Head and Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy will complete the capped player retention for SRH. The report further added that Head will earn INR 14 crore, while Reddy will be signed for INR 6 crore.

While there is no news about any uncapped player retention by SRH, the IPL 2016 winners can use the only Right-to-Match (RTM) card for an uncapped player during the mega auction.

SRH players shined in the IPL 2024

SRH stormed in the IPL 2024, where they set a new example of T20 cricket aggressiveness. It was the third time when SRH played an IPL final, where they suffered a defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to finish the season as the runners-up.

Head was the leading run-scorer for SRH and the fourth-leading run-scorer in the IPL 2024. He scored 567 runs in 15 innings with an average of 40.50 and a strike rate of 191.55, including one century and four half-centuries.

Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen were the next two most run-scorers for SRH in the IPL 2024. Sharma scored 484 runs with a strike rate of 204.21, and Klaasen scored 479 runs with a strike rate of 171.07. Sharma also took two wickets.

Captain Pat Cummins was the joint ninth leading wicket-taker for SRH in the IPL 2024 by finishing with 18 wickets in 16 matches. However, the Indian left-arm pacer T Natarajan was their leading wicket-taker in the IPL 2024 season with 19 wickets. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 303 runs in 11 innings with an average of 33.66 and a strike rate of 142.92. He also took three wickets in that season. 

This means that SRH can’t retain their most successful bowler Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. The only 100 wickets taker for SRH has taken 157 wickets in 145 matches. In the last season, Kumar took 11 wickets in 16 matches. However, he was one of the most economical bowlers, especially in the powerplay. 

The final of the IPL 2024 season will be played between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday, May 26, 2024. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bat first.

KKR won nine games so far and lost three in the league stage as well. However, they won the Qualifier 1 and reached the final. On the other hand, SRH won eight games so far and lost five games in the league stage. They then beat RR in the Qualifier 2 and reached the final. However, both teams will try to win the final and lift the coveted trophy as well. This is going to be an exciting match for sure.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

IPL 2024: KKR vs SRH, Final: Who said what at the toss?

Pat Cummins – We will bat first. Looks like a good wicket, played on a different wicket the other night. There was no dew on the other night’s game, but when it does, it’s verydamaging. We’ve had now dew the other night, I don’t feel there’ll be any today, I want to crack withthe batfirst. We have a style that doesn’t work always, but when it does work, it’s very damagiing. We have done well defending scores. Pretty much the same, Shahbaz comes in for Samad.

Shreyas Iyer – We would have bowled, we’ll get a fair idea about how the pitch will play. It;s a red soil and we played our last game on a similar surface. We need to stay with the present, stick to the basics and execute all our plans. Every individual is taking responsibility, this is a big game, we’ve plenty of people who’re playing in a final for the first time, nervous, but this is also a good chance. We’re going with the same team

Playing XIs:

Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer(c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Kolkata Knight Riders Impact Subs: Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Nitish Rana, KS Bharat, Sherfaine Rutherford

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins(c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, T Natarajan

Sunrisers Hyderabad Impact Subs: Umran Malik, Glenn Phillips, Mayank Markande, Abdul Samad, Washington Sundar

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s skipper, Pat Cummins, has consistently batted at number 8 in the batting order. However, given his impressive strike rate and ability to contribute valuable runs, there is a growing argument that he should be promoted to a higher position in the lineup. In the ongoing IPL season, Cummins has scored 107 runs in 8 innings at a blazing strike rate of 150.

Pat Cummins’ Recent Performance

Cummins’ strike rate of 150 is among the highest for a player batting lower in the order. His ability to score quickly can provide much-needed momentum, especially during the middle and late overs.

See Also: Dinesh Karthik hints at IPL retirement, receives Guard of Honour from teammates

In the first Qualifying Match against Kolkata Knight Riders, SRH could have been all-out for under 130. Cummins, coming in after a poor start by SRH’s top order, scored 30 crucial runs off 24 balls at a strike rate of 125. His innings helped SRH post a competitive total of 159.

Breaking Records

Cummins’ performance against KKR also saw him enter the history books, breaking a 16-year-old record for the highest individual score while batting at number 9 or lower in IPL knockout rounds. The previous record was held by Ramesh Pawar, who scored 28* for Punjab Kings against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2008.

Strategic Advantages of Promoting Cummins

If Cummins bat at number 6 or 7, he could stabilise the middle order. His ability to hold one end and build partnerships could prevent collapses and ensure a steady flow of runs.

KKR has successfully employed a strategy similar to Sunil Narine, who was promoted to open the innings. Narine scored 482 runs in the season, showcasing that bowlers can make significant contributions with the bat when given the opportunity.

Cummins’ Perspective

When asked about his batting position, Cummins expressed contentment with his current role but acknowledged the importance of being prepared for all aspects of the game. “I’m pretty happy down at No. 8 or 9. I feel like my role in the team as a batsman is to try and survive, bat extra time, and hopefully, I’ve got a batsman at the other end who’s set and can cash in,” he said.

The Argument for Change

Promoting Cummins could increase SRH’s batting depth, making the lineup more resilient. This would allow other batters to play more freely, knowing there is a reliable player to follow.

A flexible batting order that can adapt to different match situations is crucial in T20 cricket. Cummins’ ability to score quickly and adjust to the problem can add flexibility to SRH’s lineup. Cummins is not just a bowler; he is a genuine all-rounder. Utilizing his batting skills more effectively could maximize his contribution to the team, enhancing SRH’s overall performance.

The Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2024 season will be played between Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad won the toss and opted to bat first.

KKR won nine games so far and lost three as well. On the other hand, SRH won eight games so far and lost five games as well. However, both teams will try to win the game and keep the momentum on. This is going to be an exciting match for both teams as well.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

IPL 2024: KKR vs SRH, Qualifier 1: Who said what at the toss?

Pat Cummins: We gonna have a bat, looks like a good wicket and expect a high-scoring game. The batting group has been amazing for us and hopefully more of the same tonight. We are playing pretty much the same eleven as the last game.

Shreyas Iyer: I would have loved to bowl. I had a chat with the curator and he said it’s a mixed soil, let’s see how it plays, hoping for a good game. Important that we keep the momentum going and stay in the present. Great achievement (finising at the top of the table) and everyone is proud of it, we are taking one match at a time and we need to be positive about what’s going to happen here. We are going with the same team.

Playing XIs:

Kolkata Knight Riders: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Kolkata Knight Riders Impact Subs: Anukul Roy, Manish Pandey, Nitish Rana, KS Bharat, Sherfaine Rutherford

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen (w), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins (c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, T Natarajan

Sunrisers Hyderabad Impact Subs: Sanvir Singh, Umran Malik, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Jaydev Unadkat

The 69th match of the IPL 2024 season will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Sunday, May 19, 2024. However, Punjab Kings won the toss and opted to bat first.

SRH won seven games so far and lost five as well. On the other hand, PBKS won five games so far and they lost eight games as well. However, both teams will try to win the game and keep the momentum on. This is going to be an exciting match for both teams as well.

ALSO READ: Zaheer Khan shares MS Dhoni’s plans after IPL 2024

IPL 2024: SRH vs PBKS, Match 69: Who said what at the toss?

Pat Cummins: The fans have been awesome this season here. We are pretty well set-up for both (bat first or ball first. I’m a terrible reader of wickets, looks like a nice wicket. Looks dry and firm. Only one change for us. Rahul Tripathi comes in for a bowler.

Jitesh Sharma: We would like to bat. I think wicket is looking good, we want to score big and put SRH under pressure. Proud and grateful to captain my side today. We have few options because all the overseas have gone gone. Only Rilee Rossouw is gonna play. We have exciting talent waiting for their opportunity and they are gonna give their best today. Nothing to lose today, we are here to play some good cricket.

Playing XIs:

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Rahul Tripathi, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Sanvir Singh, Pat Cummins(c), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, T Natarajan

Sunrisers Hyderabad Impact Subs: Travis Head, Umran Malik, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Jaydev Unadkat

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Atharva Taide, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma(w/c), Ashutosh Sharma, Shivam Singh, Harpreet Brar, Rishi Dhawan, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar

Punjab Kings Impact Subs: Arshdeep Singh, Tanay Thyagarajan, Prince Choudhary, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Harpreet Singh Bhatia