By: Shajil Kumar
“Insane” was the only word that Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins could think of to sum up the six-hitting slugfest against Mumbai Indians in the IPL played in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
It was a game of many firsts as SRH smashed 277 for three, the highest total in IPL history. Mumbai Indians kept themselves in the game before ending at 246 for five.
For the first time, 500 runs were scored in a game, including a record 38 sixes.
“That was insane. The ball was really pinging around. Not until we bowled, it got a bit too close for comfort. They found a boundary whenever they needed it, but we finished it off well,” said Cummins at the post-match presentation.
It was a batting beauty but Cummins did not envisage such a big total.
Opposition skipper Hardik Pandya could only doff his hat to the opposition batters though his team also put up a spirited fight with the bat.
“Wicket was good, 277 no matter how bad or good you bowl, if the opposition has to score that much, they have batted well,” said Pandya.
Barring Jasprit Bumrah, all Mumbai bowlers leaked more than 10 runs per over. Debutant Kwena Maphaka (17) conceded 66 runs in his four overs.
“They (the bowlers) were good, it was tough out there, almost 500 runs were scored and the wicket was helping the batters, we could have done a few things here and there, but having said that, we have a young bowling attack and we will learn,” said Pandya.
He backed Maphaka to come good in the next game. “He (Kwena Maphaka) was fantastic, coming into his first game and getting overwhelmed, he was alright and backed his skillset, just needs some game time,” added the Mumbai Indians skipper.
For Mumbai Indians, Left-handed Tilak Varma stood out with his 64 in 34 balls for Mumbai but the effort was not enough on a batting-friendly pitch.
Rohit Sharma, playing his 200th IPL match, smashed a 12-ball 26 and fellow opener Ishan Kishan made 34 to give Mumbai a flying start but the innings lost momentum after 10 overs due to the ever-increasing asking rate. (Agencies)
