In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, Hyderabad triumphed over Delhi by 67 runs in the 35th match of the IPL 2024 T20 Cricket Series on April 20. The match, held in Delhi, witnessed Hyderabad setting a daunting target of 267 runs.
Batting first, Hyderabad posted an imposing total of 266/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Travis Head led the charge with a brilliant 89, while Abhishek Sharma contributed a valuable 46. Sabash Ahmed remained unbeaten on 59*.
Delhi’s bowling effort was led by their ace, who claimed four crucial wickets. However, it was not enough to contain Hyderabad’s onslaught.
Chasing a target of 267 runs, Delhi’s batting faltered. Despite efforts from Jake Fraser-Mc Coorg (65), Abishek Porel (42), and captain Rishabh Pant (44), Delhi could only manage to score 199 runs before being bowled out in 19.1 overs.
The hero of the match, however, was Tamil Nadu’s Natarajan, who put up a stellar performance. He claimed four wickets while conceding only 19 runs, including one maiden, in his four overs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hyderabad’s experienced pacer, heaped praise on Natarajan, hailing him as the match-winner for the team. Kumar highlighted Natarajan’s exceptional skill with his yorker balls, emphasizing the importance of bowlers like him in winning championships.
“We agree that we will give more runs when defending such a big target,” said Kumar. “However, we stuck to our plan and reaped rewards. Natarajan’s ability to pick up wickets quickly is exceptional, and it sets the match in the right direction for us.”
Kumar emphasized the significance of a well-rounded team, acknowledging the improved batting performance this season. He added, “Our batting has clicked this year, but as bowlers, we are equally crucial. Bowling wins you matches, and Natarajan is a prime example of that.”
Reflecting on the importance of bowling in cricket, Kumar remarked, “Batting may win you sponsorships, but it’s the bowling that wins you championships. Whoever said that knew what they were talking about.”
Hyderabad’s convincing victory over Delhi underscores the team’s strength and depth in both batting and bowling departments, making them a formidable force in the IPL 2024.