Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have had a challenging IPL 2024 season so far, particularly during the Powerplay overs. Their inability to score quickly at the top of the order has put immense pressure on the middle and lower order, resulting in several sub-par performances. Let’s delve into the lowest Powerplay scores for SRH this season and analyze the reasons behind these struggles.
Lowest Powerplay Scores for SRH in IPL 2024:
- 37/2 vs Rajasthan Royals (Hyderabad)
- 40/3 vs Punjab Kings (Mullanpur)
- 40/3 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Chennai)*
- 45/4 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Ahmedabad)
Analyzing the Struggles
1. 37/2 vs Rajasthan Royals (Hyderabad)
In their match against the Rajasthan Royals at their home ground in Hyderabad, SRH managed only 37 runs while losing two wickets in the first six overs. This slow start set the tone for a difficult chase, and despite a late surge, SRH fell short of the target.
2. 40/3 vs Punjab Kings (Mullanpur)
Against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, SRH’s top order crumbled again, scoring just 40 runs for the loss of three wickets. This poor start left them with too much to do in the middle overs, and they ended up with a below-par total.
3. 40/3 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Chennai)
Facing Kolkata Knight Riders in Chennai, SRH found themselves in a similar predicament, scoring 40 runs for the loss of three wickets. The pitch in Chennai offered some assistance to the bowlers, but SRH’s inability to rotate strike and capitalize on loose deliveries was evident.
4. 45/4 vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Ahmedabad)
In Ahmedabad, SRH’s top order woes continued as they slumped to 45/4 in the Powerplay. This game highlighted their vulnerability against disciplined bowling attacks, as the KKR bowlers exploited the early movement and variable bounce effectively.
The Overseas Conundrum
One of the major concerns for SRH this season has been the underperformance of their big overseas buys. These players were expected to bolster the batting lineup, but they have struggled to make an impact. The team management is desperately hoping for a turnaround from these star players to help SRH post competitive totals.
The Pitch Factor
The pitches SRH have played on so far haven’t been conducive to high-scoring games. In particular, the absence of dew has made chasing tricky and defending totals slightly easier. On such pitches, a score above 160 can be quite competitive, yet SRH has found it difficult to reach even this benchmark.
The Way Forward
To overcome their Powerplay woes, SRH needs to:
- Solidify the Opening Partnership: A consistent opening pair that can provide steady starts is crucial. Even a cautious start is better than losing quick wickets.
- Maximize Powerplay Overs: The top order should focus on rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. A run rate of around 7-8 runs per over in the Powerplay would set a solid foundation.
- Support from Overseas Players: The big-name overseas players need to step up and perform to their potential. Their experience and skills are vital for SRH’s success.
- Adapt to Conditions: Understanding and adapting to the pitch conditions quickly can give SRH an edge. On slower tracks, building partnerships becomes even more crucial.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Powerplay struggles have been a significant hurdle in their IPL 2024 campaign. The team needs to address their top-order issues and find ways to maximize the first six overs to set the stage for competitive totals. With the talent at their disposal, a turnaround is possible, but it requires immediate and strategic efforts from both the players and the management.