NEW DELHI: Bhuvneshwar Kumar emerged as the hero with a sensational final over, orchestrating a dramatic one-run victory for Sunrisers Hyderabad over Rajasthan Royals in a last-ball thriller, thus keeping their IPL playoff aspirations alive.
With Rajasthan Royals needing two runs to win off the last delivery, Bhuvneshwar, who had already claimed two wickets, delivered a nerve-wracking full toss that trapped Rovman Powell (27), leaving RR stranded at 200 for seven while chasing a target of 202.
In the batting department, Nitish Reddy's unbeaten 76 and Travis Head's 58 provided the foundation for Sunrisers Hyderabad's imposing total of 201 for three. Their onslaught was complemented by Heinrich Klaasen's blistering unbeaten knock of 42 off just 19 balls, further propelling Sunrisers' charge towards victory.
The ever-calm Bhuvneshwar categorically stated that he wasn't thinking much and kept his focus on the process.
"I think that's my nature, I wasn't thinking much about the result in the last over. There was no discussion in the last over, was just focussed on the process. Was thinking just about bowling two good balls, anything could have happened. I wasn't thinking much, I was just focussed on the process," Bhuvi, who was named Player of the match, said at the post-match presentation.
"The ball swung so much, can't really pinpoint it, I really enjoyed it. Luckily I got wickets today. When the season started the thought process was different, but it changed when the batters played in such a way. My thought process changed completely to be honest (from the time the season started to today)," Bhuvi added.
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