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These three encounters are just a glimpse into the captivating rivalry between SRH and PBKS
The Indian Premier League (IPL) thrives on its high-octane clashes, where every match has the potential to be a nail-biter. When the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) lock horns, sparks are guaranteed to fly.
These two teams have produced some of the most thrilling encounters in IPL history, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. Here, we revisit three such iconic matches that etched themselves into IPL folklore.
The Dubai dust settled on a bizarre encounter in 2020. SRH captain David Warner, winning the toss, opted to field first on a sluggish pitch. PBKS batsmen struggled for timing, crawling their way to a meagre 126 runs. This score seemed like a cakewalk for the Orange Army, but cricket, as they say, is a funny game.
SRH's chase began on a promising note. With seven wickets in hand and just 27 runs required from the final four overs, victory seemed assured. However, a dramatic collapse ensued. SRH batsmen, one after another, succumbed to the pressure, mistiming deliveries and gifting their wickets away.
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Chris Jordan with his bowling action
Chris Jordan, the PBKS pacer, emerged as the unlikely hero, bamboozling the SRH batting line-up with his variations and finishing with figures of 3/17. SRH were eventually bowled out for a paltry 114 runs, handing a shocking victory to PBKS in a match that defied all logic.
Shifting gears to 2019, we find ourselves in Mohali, witnessing another heart-stopping encounter. SRH, batting first, posted a modest total of 150 runs on the board. David Warner, the prolific opener, top-scored with a patient 70, but his knock, consuming a hefty 62 deliveries, perhaps pegged back the final score for SRH (150).
PBKS, in reply, started confidently, cruising at a comfortable 132/2 after 17 overs. They needed just 19 runs from the last three overs to seal the deal. However, the ghosts of past collapses seemed to haunt them.
A dramatic shift in momentum saw them score only eight runs in the next two overs, leaving them with a precarious 11 runs to chase in the final over. Nerves frayed, but the batting duo of Nicholas Pooran and Mayank Agarwal held their ground.
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Rahul makes the difference
They managed to scamper through for the winning runs with a bit of luck on their side, leaving SRH heartbroken and the Mohali crowd in a frenzy. KL Rahul, with a composed 71 off 53 balls, was rightfully adjudged the Player of the Match for his anchoring knock under pressure.
The year 2018 witnessed the return of the 'Universe Boss', Chris Gayle, to his devastating best. The venue was once again Mohali, and the stage was set for a masterclass in six-hitting. PBKS, batting first, were propelled by a whirlwind knock from Gayle. He tore into the SRH bowling attack, smashing a belligerent 104 runs off just 63 deliveries. His knock was laced with 11 towering sixes, a brutal reminder of his sheer power and dominance.
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The Universal Boss strikes hard
SRH, in response, looked to chase down the imposing target of 194 runs. Despite a valiant effort from their skipper, Kane Williamson, they fell short by 15 runs. Ravichandran Ashwin, the PBKS captain, displayed exceptional tactical acumen, outsmarting the SRH batsmen and ensuring a clinical victory for his team.
