KKR vs SRH: Abhishek Sharma’s blissful cameo helps Sunrisers Hyderabad accelerate proceedings at Eden Gardens

In the 19th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2023, Sunrisers Hyderabad had the best of their time with the bat after being invited to take up the willow by Kolkata Knight Riders’ skipper Nitish Rana. SRH’s English import Harry Brook unleashed his fiery knock right from the word go, as the swashbuckling opener notched up the first century of the 16th edition of the cash-rich league. Brook carried his bat throughout the innings to score 100 runs in 55 deliveries, aided by 12 fours and three sixes.

While Brook was going strong at one end, the other end was left rather fragile after skipper Aiden Markram’s departure and it was Abhishek Sharma who then took up the reins to speed up SRH’s innings and assist Brook in his quest. Sharma and Brook put up a 72-run stand for the fourth wicket, amassed over just 32 deliveries.

Playing just 17 deliveries, Sharma notched up a quickfire 32 to help SRH get past the 200-run milestone. Sharma hammered the KKR bowlers to hit shots in all directions, as the 22-year-old batter from Punjab hit three fours and two sixes to erect his innings at a strike rate of 188.24. 

Aiden Markram plays captain’s knock against KKR

Stylish South African batter Aiden Markram, whom SRH had earlier handed the reins of the team for the 16th edition of the IPL, led the team from the front against KKR. Coming in to bat after the fall of Rahul Tripathi in the last ball of the fifth over, Markram co-piloted SRH’s incredible batting display alongside Brook. The duo put up a 72-run stand for the third wicket, with Markram contributing the bulk of it. 

Markram smashed two fours and as many as five over-boundaries to register a fast-paced half-century in just 26 deliveries.  Hitting at a strike rate of 192.31, Markram helped SRH put themselves in a comfortable position in the match. He was finally dismissed on 50 by Varun Chakraborty in the 13th over. The combined efforts of Brook, Markram and Sharma helped SRH post a first-innings total of 228/4.

For KKR, Andre Russell shone with the ball, adding three wickets to his kitty, whereas Chakraborty scalped one.