Punjab Kings (PBKS) fumbled an enormous chance to dismiss Travis Head off the very first delivery of their IPL 2024 match versus SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH). The two teams clashed at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Tuesday, April 9th.
After winning the toss, PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan elected to field first. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma opened the batting for SunRisers. Kagiso Rabada commenced PBKS’ bowling attack with the new ball, appealing for an LBW off the game’s inaugural delivery.
While wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma was certain of an edge, Rabada seemed unsure and showed little desire in contesting the umpire’s not-out decision.
During the playback, UltraEdge confirmed that a bat was used and that there was an edge, which Jitesh felt confident about. Dhawan appeared dissatisfied with his decision not to take the review after watching the footage on the big screen.
PBKS bowlers strike early in powerplay as redemption
Punjab’s sadness did not last long, as Arshdeep Singh struck in the fourth over to dismiss Travis Head. The Australian batsman shot the ball high in the air as it approached mid-off, but Dhawan tracked it down and made a superb running grab.
Travis Head’s early attack helped SRH score some crucial runs in the powerplay, but what followed was complete control by PBKS bowlers. Arshdeep Singh struck again in the fourth over, striking in-form Aiden Markram for a two-ball duck.
Sam Curran took care of the fifth over and bowled opener Abhishek Sharma, reducing SRH to 39/5 in five overs. Punjab Kings redeemed themselves in the powerplay thanks to Arshdeep and Curran, who missed the DRS call on the opening delivery.
SRH concluded the powerplay at 40/3, their lowest total in the first six overs of the game this season. Furthermore, it was the first time this season that SRH lost more than one wicket in the powerplay, forcing Travis Head, Markram, and Abhishek Sharma back to the dugout.
