Sunrisers Hyderabad posted the highest ever IPL total of 277 for 3 against Mumbai Indians before registering a 31-run victory in a power-hitting contest at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium that left bowlers on both sides befuddled. Left-handed SRH batter Abhishek Sharma was also among the batters who shone in the match day. Abhishek scored 63 runs off 23 balls with the help of 3 fours and 7 sixes. He got to his half-century in 16 balls which is now the fastest by any SRH batter in IPL history.
Despite his terrific knock, former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who also happens to be Abhishek's idol and mentor, scolded the player for the way he was dismsised.
It was a quick short ball from Piyush Chawal that saw Abhishek pulling it in the air before Naman Dhir completed the catch at deep mid-wicket.
"Waah sir Abhishek waah, great innings but what a splendid shot to get out on! Laaton ke bhoot baaton se nahi maante! Special (slipper emoji) waiting for you now @IamAbhiSharma4," wrote Yuvraj on X.
Young left-handed batter Abhishek said the message from the team management was pretty simple "go out and express yourself" as Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Mumbai Indians in an IPL match that witnessed records tumbling like ninepins.
"To be honest I didn't realise that it was the fastest fifty for SRH and for this year. I just wanted to go and express myself and after getting out I realised that it was the quickest. I enjoyed it," said 'Man of the Match' Sharma after the game.
"I think the message was pretty much simple for all the batters in the meeting we had before this match. 'Everyone just go and express yourself'. That's a very positive message if you get it from your captain and coach. That's really supportive for all the batters."
(With PTI Inputs)