NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad's all-rounder
Nitish Kumar Reddy
left an indelible mark with a match-winning performance, etching his name in the annals of IPL history, in a thrilling encounter against the Punjab Kings on Tuesday.
Nitish displayed prowess in all facets of the game, playing a pivotal role in SRH's narrow 2-run victory over PBKS.
With the bat, he showcased his batting prowess by smashing a splendid 64 off just 37 deliveries.
Not stopping there, Nitish also made significant contributions with the ball, dismissing
Jitesh Sharma
and claiming a crucial catch to dismiss Prabhsimran Singh.
In a remarkable feat, Nitish became the first
uncapped player
in IPL history to achieve the milestone of scoring 50-plus runs, taking a wicket, and securing a catch in a single IPL match.
Furthermore, at the age of 20 years and 319 days, he became the second youngest player to notch a half-century in the IPL, with
Priyam Garg
holding the record as the youngest at 19 years and 307 days.
Reflecting on his outstanding performance, Nitish expressed his elation and credited his belief in himself for his success.
"For me, it's like a big contribution for my team and for myself. I have been telling myself that I should believe in myself," he remarked. Nitish further elaborated on his batting strategy, emphasizing his cautious approach against seamers and his aggressive intent against spinners, utilizing the dimensions of the pitch to his advantage.
As SRH clinched victory in a tightly contested match, Nitish's stellar performance stood as a testament to his talent and determination. Looking ahead, he expressed his desire to continue delivering impactful performances, whether with the bat, ball, or in the field, aiming to maintain his high standards throughout the tournament.
(With inputs from ANI)