Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered a humiliating defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Wednesday. Brutal batting and sheer dominance from Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma not only crushed LSG but also put them in a tricky spot in the playoff race. It was a dismal performance from LSG bowlers as SRH openers completed the 167-run chase in just 9.4 overs. Head and Abhishek played stellar knocks of unbeaten 89 and 75 respectively, handing SRH a memorable win.

Earlier, LSG had a bad start after KL Rahul won the toss and opted to bat. Proteas opener Quinton de Kock (2) and Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis (3) perished cheaply inside powerplay overs. SRH’s senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar extended his impressive run in the powerplay, picking up both wickets.

Rahul alongside Krunal Pandya managed to add 36 runs for the third wicket. Rahul departed after playing a slow knock of 33-ball 29. Pat Cummins produced a brilliant on the field to run out Pandya for 24. Teaming up with in-form Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni played an excellent knock to resurrect LSG innings. The 99-run stand between Pooran (48*) and Badoni (55*) lifted LSG to a competitive total of 165/4 in 20 overs.

In reply, Head and Abhishek made a mockery of the LSG bowlers in the powerplay, smashing 107 runs in 6 overs. The Australian batter scored the joint-fastest half-century off 16 balls to dominate LSG while Abhishek hit his half-century off 19 balls. Abhishek sealed SRH’s 10-wicket win by smoking a six in the 10th over. Mumbai Indians are knocked out of the IPL 2024 playoff race after SRH demolished LSG.