In a match where Rajasthan's seasoned spinners R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal struggled, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) displayed a stellar performance, defending a total of 175 runs. Leading the attack was Shahbaz Ahmed, SRH's impact player, who dismantled the Rajasthan Royals' middle-order with his exceptional spin, clinching three crucial wickets.
SRH skipper Pat Cummins revealed that it was Head Coach Daniel Vettori's ingenious idea to bring Shahbaz in as an impact player. "Dan Vettori, left-arm orthodox and wanted as many left-arm orthodox as possible," Cummins explained.
Shahbaz Ahmed, reflecting on his role after the match, disclosed, "The captain and coach told me depending on the situation we will use you, my role was to bat lower down the order and they said if we collapse we will send you."
Abhishek Sharma also made significant contributions, securing a couple of crucial wickets in the middle overs. "That was a surprise, tried to stick one out of him with a couple of right-handers and he bowled beautifully and those two won it with their bowling in the middle overs," Cummins remarked.
Hyderabad's bowling attack displayed the necessary discipline, complemented by the supportive pitch conditions. While Rajasthan's spinners struggled, Hyderabad's spin duo capitalized on the turning track, bowling a combined 8 overs for just 47 runs.
In a season characterized by high-scoring contests, Hyderabad's emphasis on dot balls proved decisive. The team bowled 55 dot balls, significantly impacting Rajasthan's batting rhythm. This disciplined approach led to a remarkable victory for SRH, showcasing their adaptability and skill in varied match conditions.
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