Abhishek Sharma scored his first Indian Premier League half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru during Sunrisers Hyderabad's league-stage match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday. The left-handed batter reached his fifty in just 20 balls by smashing a six off Romario Shepherd over backward square leg. This was Abhishek's first fifty against RCB, achieved in his 12th innings against the Bengaluru side.
Abhishek was later dismissed for 56 off 22 balls by leg-spinner Suyash Sharma, who had him caught by substitute fielder Jordan Cox at long-on. Earlier, SRH won the toss and elected to bat first.
RCB entered the match at the top of the points table with 18 points, while SRH were placed third with 16 points. It was the final league-stage match for both teams. SRH were aiming for a win by a significant margin to surpass Gujarat Titans and finish in second place based on net run rate. GT were positioned second with 18 points.
After winning the toss, SRH captain Pat Cummins said, "We'll bat first. It's a long shot to get to the top-two. We'll try a few things ahead of the finals. We'll try to bat big. It's been pleasing - qualification. They (crowd) have been amazing. Hopefully we finish on a good note. Same combination as the last game."
RCB captain Rajat Patidar returned to the playing XI after missing the previous match. Jacob Bethell was rested due to a finger injury. Patidar remarked, "Wherever we go, we feel like it's a home game for us. It doesn't matter where you are, you have to match your standards every game. You have to tick a lot of boxes. Bethell has a finger injury, I am back."
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