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| Photo: BCCI & IPL |
Match Summary:
Sunrisers Hyderabad Innings: SRH chose to bat first, setting a high target thanks to crucial contributions from their key players. Captain David Warner led from the front with a 38-ball 69, and Ben Cutting provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 15-ball 39. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, SRH posted a formidable total of 208 for 7 in their 20 overs. Chris Jordan was the pick of the RCB bowlers with figures of 3 for 45.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Innings: RCB, known for their explosive batting line-up, began their chase strongly. Chris Gayle blasted 76 off 38 balls, and Virat Kohli scored 54 off 35 balls, putting RCB in a commanding position. However, the SRH bowlers fought back, applying pressure and taking key wickets. Despite a valiant effort, RCB fell short, finishing at 200 for 7, eight runs behind the target.
Key Moments:
David Warner’s Start: Warner’s aggressive innings set the tone for SRH. He hit eight fours and three sixes, ensuring a solid platform for the middle and lower order to capitalize on.
Ben Cutting’s Finish: Cutting’s explosive 39* off 15 balls included crucial boundaries in the final over, which yielded 24 runs and pushed SRH’s total past 200.
Chris Gayle’s Onslaught: Gayle’s quickfire 76, featuring four fours and eight sixes, gave RCB a flying start and put them on course for a successful chase.
Turning Point: The dismissal of Gayle, Kohli, and AB de Villiers in quick succession turned the tide in SRH’s favor. These wickets disrupted RCB’s momentum and allowed SRH to tighten their grip on the match.
Mustafizur Rahman and Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Mustafizur’s accurate cutters and Bhuvneshwar’s pinpoint yorkers were instrumental in restricting RCB in the death overs. Bhuvneshwar, especially, held his nerve in the final over, defending 18 runs to secure the win for SRH.
Top Performers:
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
- David Warner: His 69 off 38 balls provided the foundation for a big total.
- Ben Cutting: His all-round performance, including 39* off 15 balls and 2 for 35 with the ball, was crucial in SRH’s victory.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: His death-over bowling, especially the final over, was critical in sealing the win for SRH.
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
- Chris Gayle: His 76 off 38 balls kept RCB in the hunt.
- Virat Kohli: His 54 off 35 balls continued his exceptional form in the tournament.
- Chris Jordan: He was the most successful bowler for RCB with 3 for 45.
Brief Scores:
- SRH: 208/7 in 20 overs (David Warner 69, Ben Cutting 39*, Chris Jordan 3/45)
- RCB: 200/7 in 20 overs (Chris Gayle 76, Virat Kohli 54, Ben Cutting 2/35)
Match Analysis:
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Strategy: SRH’s decision to bat first on a high-scoring ground paid off as their batsmen posted a challenging total. Their bowlers then executed their plans effectively, particularly in the death overs.
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Chase: Despite a strong start from Gayle and Kohli, RCB couldn’t maintain their momentum after the loss of key wickets. The pressure of a final and some excellent bowling from SRH proved to be the difference.
Conclusion:
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s win in the 2016 IPL final showcased their all-round capabilities and strategic acumen. The blend of aggressive batting, effective death bowling, and the ability to handle pressure situations were key to their triumph over a formidable RCB side, marking a significant achievement in the franchise's history.
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