In a thrilling encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Abdul Samad‘s heroics with the bat helped SRH secure a four-wicket victory over RR in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
Chasing a target of 179 runs, SRH got off to a slow start, losing opener Jonny Bairstow in the second over. Manish Pandey and Kane Williamson tried to stabilize the innings, but both were dismissed by Chris Morris in quick succession, leaving SRH struggling at 57/3 in the ninth over.
However, Jason Roy played a brilliant knock of 60 runs off 40 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes, to keep SRH in the game. Roy was supported well by Mohammad Nabi, who played a cameo of 26 runs off 12 balls.
With 21 runs needed off the last over, Samad took the responsibility and smashed a six off the first ball of Mustafizur Rahman’s over. Rahman then bowled a no-ball, which Samad dispatched for another six, bringing the equation down to 9 runs off 5 balls.
Samad hit a boundary off the next ball, and despite Rahman dismissing him off the fourth ball, the damage was done, and SRH secured a memorable victory.
Earlier, RR had posted a competitive total of 178/5, thanks to captain Sanju Samson’s brilliant knock of 85 runs off 53 balls. Samson was supported well by Shivam Dube, who scored 37 runs off 22 balls.
For SRH, Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers, picking up two wickets while giving away just 25 runs in his four overs.
With this win, SRH move to fifth place in the IPL 2023 points table, while RR remain in sixth place.
The match will be remembered for Samad’s heroics with the bat, as he showed tremendous composure under pressure to guide SRH to victory. The young all-rounder has been impressive throughout the season and has established himself as a key player for SRH.
Overall, it was an entertaining match that kept the fans on the edge of their seats till the very end, and it was a fitting end to a thrilling game that showcased the best of T20 cricket.
