'He eased all the pressure' - Kevin Pietersen extols Abhishek Sharma for match-winning show against Delhi Capitals

After losing three consecutive games in IPL 2023, Sunrisers Hyderabad finally returned to winning ways as they beat Delhi Capitals by nine runs in Match 40 on April 29 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. After opting to bat first SRH posted a massive total of 197/6, with Abhishek Sharma (67 off 36) and Heinrich Klaasen (53* off 27) scoring half-centuries.

In reply, DC were restricted to 188/6 despite half-centuries from Philip Salt (59 off 35) and Mitchell Marsh (63 off 39). As a result, SRH registered their third win of the season and climbed to the eighth spot in the points table with six points from eight games.

Following SRH’s narrow win, former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen credited both teams for putting up a good show. Pietersen especially praised Abhishek for his scintillating knock at the top, which set the tone for the rest of the innings. Being promoted up the order, the youngster grabbed the opportunity with both hands and smacked 12 fours and a six in his 67-run knock to keep up the run rate high right from the start.

"I thought both teams put on a damn good show on this wicket because I don't think it was a 180-190 wicket. I thought Abhishek Sharma was unbelievable. That innings was match-winning. The way that he played, the way he just eased the pressure on all of his batting partners and how hard it was for the other guys to bat until Klaasen turned up. He set the tone for good participation from both teams," Kevin Pietersen told broadcasters after the DC vs SRH match.

Brian Lara told me to go after the fast bowlers: Abhishek Sharma

Apart from his batting heroics, Abhishek also picked up one wicket for 26 runs in three overs. Speaking to the broadcasters after the game, he revealed that he had the backing from SRH head coach Brian Lara to go after the fast bowlers.

"The pitch was similar to the pitch we had during our practice here, it was keeping low and stopping a bit. We didn't want to play anything fancy and played according to the ball. I had a plan with Brian Lara, he told me to go after the fast bowlers. I was going for it against the fast bowlers, and luckily it paid off,” he said.

Coming back to the match, Mitchell Marsh had a terrific game with both bat and ball as he he picked 4/27 with the ball and later smacked 63 off 39 with the bat. Despite his incredible all-round show, the Capitals ended up losing the game. However, the Australian all-rounder was deservedly awarded Player of the Match for his magnificent show.