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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise cricket team that competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have gained a reputation over the years for their strong bowling attack, which has often allowed them to defend targets successfully.
Acquisition of quality bowlers
Firstly, SRH have consistently invested in acquiring quality bowlers who possess the skills and experience to excel in the T20 format. Bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and T Natarajan have been instrumental in their ability to restrict opposition teams and defend targets. Secondly, the team’s bowling strategy focuses on disciplined and accurate bowling. They prioritize maintaining a tight line and length, which makes it difficult for batters to score freely. This approach puts pressure on the opposition and increases the chances of taking wickets.
Disciplined and accurate bowling strategy
Furthermore, SRH have a strong bowling unit that complements each other’s strengths. They have a good mix of pace and spin bowlers, which allows them to adapt to different match situations and playing conditions. This versatility in their bowling attack makes it challenging for the opposition to formulate effective strategies against them.
Solid fielding unit
In addition to their strong bowling attack, SRH also have a solid fielding unit. They are known for their agility and athleticism on the field, which helps in saving runs and creating additional pressure on the batters. Overall, SRH’s ability to defend targets successfully can be attributed to their strong and well-balanced bowling attack, disciplined bowling strategy, and excellent fielding. These factors have made them a formidable team in the IPL and have contributed to their success in defending targets.
Also READ: IPL 2024: SRH captain Pat Cummins shares an appreciation post for Bhuvneshwar Kumar after 1-run win over RR at Uppal
Top 6 narrowest margins of wins in the IPL history for SRH:
1. IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad outshine Rajasthan Royals in high-scoring encounter
SRH set a daunting target of 202 runs against Rajasthan Royals (RR), propelled by commanding knocks from Travis Head (58) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (76*). Their aggressive batting display led to a formidable score of 201/3 in 20 overs. Rajasthan, in response, mounted a spirited chase anchored by Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s 67 and Riyan Parag‘s explosive 77. Despite their efforts, they fell agonizingly short, managing 200/7. Bhuvneshwar’s crucial 3 wickets and supported by Pat Cummins and Natarajan’s timely strikes, played a pivotal role in restricting Rajasthan’s chase. In a tense finale, Sunrisers secured victory by a mere 1 run, highlighting their grit and composure.
2. IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad clinch thrilling victory over Punjab Kings
In a gripping showdown, SRH set a formidable target of 183 runs, fueled by Nitish Reddy’s explosive 64 and Abdul Samad‘s quickfire 25. Their innings, though stuttering at times, ultimately yielded a competitive 182/9 in 20 overs. Punjab Kings (PBKS) embarked on a nerve-wracking chase, but despite Shashank Singh‘s heroic unbeaten 46, they agonizingly fell short, settling at 180/6. The Sunrisers’ bowling brigade, spearheaded by Bhuvneshwar, Cummins and Natarajan again combined together, thwarted Punjab’s charge. With every ball a nail-biter, SRH emerged triumphant by a mere 2 runs, showcasing their tenacity and composure in crunch situations.
3. IPL 2022: Sunrisers Hyderabad edge past Mumbai Indians in a gripping encounter
SRH showcased their batting prowess as they set a formidable target of 194 runs against Mumbai Indians (MI). Rahul Tripathi led the charge with a brilliant 76, well-supported by Priyam Garg‘s 42 and Nicholas Pooran‘s quickfire 38. Despite a mid-innings slump, their total reached a competitive 193/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, Mumbai started strongly with Rohit Sharma‘s aggressive 48 and Ishan Kishan‘s composed 43. However, Umran Malik‘s impressive bowling display, claiming crucial wickets including that of Sharma and Kishan, halted Mumbai’s momentum. Despite a late onslaught from Tim David (46), Mumbai fell short, managing 190/7 in their 20 overs.
The match was characterized by intense back-and-forth action, with both teams showcasing their batting depth and resilience. Nevertheless, it was SRH’s collective effort and Tripathi’s stellar performance that ultimately secured them a narrow victory by just 3 runs.
4. IPL 2014: Sunrisers Hyderabad grapple commanding win over Delhi Daredevils
SRH showcased their batting prowess in a dominant performance against the then Delhi Daredevils (DD). Shikhar Dhawan led the charge with a brisk 33, setting the stage for a formidable total. Aaron Finch played a stellar innings, remaining unbeaten on 88, while David Warner provided valuable support with 58 not out. Their partnership propelled Sunrisers to a commanding total of 184/1 in 20 overs.
In response, Delhi began strongly with contributions from Quinton de Kock (48) and Murali Vijay (52). Nonetheless, their efforts fell short against a disciplined SRH bowling attack. Dale Steyn and Daren Sammy picked crucial wickets, restricting Delhi to 180/4 in their allotted overs. SRH emerged victorious by a narrow margin of four runs.
5. IPL 2016: Sunrisers Hyderabad clinch narrow victory over Rising Pune Super Giants
SRH faced Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG) in a closely contested encounter. SRH, batting first, posted a score of 137/8 in their 20 overs. Shikhar (33) and Kane Williamson (32) made significant contributions, but Adam Zampa‘s impressive bowling performance for Rising Pune, grabbing six wickets, restricted Sunrisers’ innings.
In response, Rising Pune struggled in their chase, facing consistent pressure from the SRH’s bowlers. Despite valuable contributions from George Bailey (34) and MS Dhoni (30), Rising Pune fell just short of the target, managing 133/8 in their 20 overs. Ashish Nehra‘s brilliant spell of 3/29 and Barinder Sran‘s crucial two wickets were instrumental in SRH’s narrow victory.
In a thrilling finish, Sunrisers Hyderabad secured the win by a slender margin of four runs, highlighting their resilience under pressure and their ability to defend a modest total.
6. IPL 2021: Sunrisers Hyderabad secure hard-fought victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru
In a thrilling encounter, SRH emerged victorious against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Batting first, SRH posted a score of 141/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Jason Roy‘s resilient 44 and contributions from Williamson (31) and Jason Holder (16) propelled their innings. However, they faced stiff competition from the Royal Challengers’ bowlers, with Harshal Patel leading the charge with three crucial wickets.
In response, Royal Challengers struggled in their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals. Devdutt Padikkal top-scored with 41, but SRH’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan’s impressive spell of 2/39, kept the pressure on. Despite late efforts from Glenn Maxwell (40) and AB de Villiers (19*), Royal Challengers fell short of the target, finishing at 137/6 in their 20 overs.
SRH’s disciplined bowling effort, coupled with their determined batting display, sealed the victory by a narrow margin of four runs.