The Pat Cummins-led team convincingly defeated Rajasthan Royals by 36 runs in Qualifier 2 Shahbaz played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Friday to set up an Indian Premier League final clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday.
Bowlers stopped Royals at 139 for 7 after Hyderabad posted 175 for 9 to give them a chance of avenging their defeat by KKR in the first qualifier three days ago.
In the final game, Shahbaz came in as Impact Substitute and showed his all-round abilities by contributing with both bat and ball, leading the champions of 2016 into this year’s IPL final.
Having scored a vital 18 down the order, he picked up three important wickets as well that derailed Royals chase.
Shahbaz said he was really happy with his performance in the post-match chat adding that surface also helped SRH defend their total of 175.
They (Captain and Coach) told me how they wanted to use me according to situation. I am lower-order; so since we had a collapse, I have got my opportunity. At one stage when I was batting it felt like there was something on this wicket while Sandeep and Avesh were bowling. Thought maybe later there is going be some purchase made from here.”
“I would feel proud being MOTM in such a big match. Atmosphere within our team has been coolly relaxed, For us celebration will only come after victory in finals but right now its relaxation,” commented Shahbaz.
Batting first, Hyderabad couldn’t quite accelerate at the death overs managing a respectable total at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Travis Head (34) along with Rahul Tripathi (37) steadied the innings after Trent Boult rattled Hyderabad with his three-wicket burst.
Hyderabad expected late fireworks with Heinrich Klaasen striking a breezy fifty down the order.
42 by Yashasvi Jaiswal led Rajasthan’s strong response but the top order of that side failed to take advantage of it.
However, Dhruv Jurel’s 56-ball 56 was not supported well enough from the other end.
Shahbaz (3-23) and Abhishek Sharma (2-24) were Hyderabad’s tidy bowling figures.
