The Sunrisers Hyderabad have blown away the Lucknow Super Giants by 10 wickets. Chasing a competitive score of 165, the South Indian team romped home with 62 balls to spare. Both SRH openers scored blistering fifties that left the opposition shell-shocked and left many pundits questioning the future of the game. A lot can be said about the way the Sunrisers Hyderabad performed, the question in everybody’s mind is, do they have what it takes to go all the way and win this edition of IPL?
Sunrisers Hyderabad – The Benefit of Power Openers
https://gty.im/1253154092
The key to Hyderbad’s success has been the power of its opening pair. Both Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma have been explosive at the top. Whilst consistency has been a question, especially for Abhishek Sharma, whenever both openers have fired, the end result has been either a massive score for SRH or a chase that is completed in quick time. A point that has been recognized by pundits. The success of the openers on the field is built on the understanding the players have developed off it.
The awesome striking from the SRH openers has made life easy for the rest of the team, which admittedly, a bit like the Royal Challengers Bangalore, is looking a bit top-heavy. Where a lot rests on the ability to give quick starts to set a big score, or when chasing down competitive targets. This was evident in the away game against the Chennai Super Kings, where the Sunrisers Hyderabad slumped to a 78-run loss.
Also Read: What Chances does England National Team have at the World T20 2024?
Going All the Way to the Finals of IPL 2024
https://gty.im/1258275059
Cricket is a tricky game. No matter the class of the team, the form of the players, and the planning and tactics that go into it. What matters at the end of the day is how players perform on the given day. In defeating the Lucknow Super Giants the Sunrisers Hyderabad have come a step closer to the playoffs. And their ability to win close games, such as their victory against the Rajasthan Royals is a positive sign that they can go all the way. The question is, can they?
What ought to be concerning the Sunrisers Hyderabad is the form of the middle order. Once the openers are dismissed, a lot of responsibility falls on the shoulders of Heinrich Klaasen who has a mixed season. A problem compounded by the lack of form by the now-dropped Aiden Markram. So the strategy for opponents of SRH is now to figure out a way to knock over the explosive opening pair, or at least break the partnership early on and put pressure on the middle order.
Opposing teams would now plan their tactics accordingly. If the real threat the SRH poses lies at the top then that is where the countermeasures would need to be directed. And the lesson for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in that case would be to prepare for such an eventuality. What happens if both openers are dismissed cheaply? How will they cope? How will they respond? Answering this question may be the secret to winning IPL 2024.
About the Author
Damian Thar writes on a range of topics. In addition to his professional work, he writes essays on subjects like philosophy, history, and culture. He also writes and edits books; in his free time, he makes videos for social commentary. You can find his work here.
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
