TATA IPL 2024: SRH Clinches Victory by 2 Runs Despite Shashank, Ashutosh's Heroics

Punjab Kings had Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, the heroes of their sensational victory over Gujarat Titans, at the crease against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Match 23 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the PCA Stadium. The two youngsters nearly pulled off another heist with valiant efforts, but their brilliant knocks in a thrilling finish proved futile as PBKS fell agonisingly short by two runs despite hammering 26 runs from the final over, the highest score in a chase.

Shashank Singh concluded his innings unbeaten with 46 runs off 25 deliveries, while Ashutosh Sharma remained not out with 33 runs from 15 balls as Punjab Kings amassed 180/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Arshdeep Singh's impressive figures of 4-29 overshadowed Nitish Kumar Reddy's brisk 64 off 37 balls in a match marred by numerous errors from both sides. Despite the blunders, standout performances from players such as Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Shashank Singh, and Ashutosh Sharma showcased exceptional composure, remarkable power-hitting, and adept adaptation to the conditions.

Punjab Kings were in a similar situation. While chasing 183 for victory, Shashank was batting on 19 off 14 balls and Ashutosh was on 1. The duo scored 17 runs from the 17th over with Shashank hitting Bhuvneshwar for boundaries off successive deliveries and following it up with another four as the seasoned pacer bowled a couple of wide balls. Ashutosh blasted Pat Cummins for boundaries off successive deliveries as they scored 11 runs. With the two batters taking 10 runs off T. Natarajan with Shashank and Ashutosh scoring a boundary each, Punjab Kings needed 29 runs from the final over.

In a dramatic over, Ashutosh's shot off Jaydev Unadkat was palmed over the rope and two wide balls later, Ashutosh's shot was again palmed over for a six. The batters run two doubles, thus leaving Punjab Kings 11 from two balls. Unadkat bowled another wide and Rahul Tripathi dropped Ashutosh, but they managed only one run, thus leaving PBKS leaving them needing nine off the last over. Punjab looked down and out at 114/6 when Jitesh Sharma was out in the 16th over. However, there was not much to differentiate between the two teams as Sunrisers Hyderabad 100/5 at one stage before going on to make 182/9 thanks to Reddy's pyrotechnics.

In pursuit of 183, Punjab Kings encountered a rocky beginning with Jonny Bairstow's dismissal by Pat Cummins in the second over, following a maiden over by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvneshwar further dented Punjab's progress at 11/2 for SRH, as Prabhsimran Singh's delivery led to a top-edge catch by Nitish Kumar. The woes continued for Punjab Kings as skipper Shikhar Dhawan fell victim to a stumping by Heinrich Klaasen off Bhuvi's bowling. Despite promising starts by Sam Curran (29) and Sikandar Raza, both were dismissed just as they seemed threatening, leaving PBKS struggling at 91/5.

Despite their courageous display, Punjab Kings' endeavors proved fruitless as they succumbed to defeat. Despite a strong start, PBKS conceded 15-20 runs more than deemed necessary against SRH, particularly evident in the final ball when Unadkat's shot was deflected over the boundary rope, resulting in a crucial six. The failure to prevent those additional runs could have potentially secured victory for Punjab Kings.