Perhaps Pat Cummins has an automatic switch fitted in his brain, and he turns it on during crunch games. While Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered their match against Delhi Capitals (DC) with only a slim chance of making the playoffs, Cummins’ performance made that window of opportunity seem far wider than it actually was.
From the very first ball, Cummins showcased his relentless precision. A delivery that pitched on a good length and moved just enough to catch the edge of Karun Nair’s bat set the tone. While Nair’s technique played a part, Cummins’ ability to hit the right spot from the get-go highlighted his control and muscle memory.
His second over was equally impressive, as he dismissed the experienced Faf du Plessis. The former South African skipper attempted to free his arms, but Cummins’ hard length left him with no choice but to spoon a catch to the wicketkeeper. By the end of his third over, Cummins had reduced DC to 19 for 3, effectively sealing their fate in the match.
What stood out was Cummins’ ability to consistently hit the top of the off-stump with pinpoint accuracy. His hit-the-deck skills and unyielding discipline have always been the hallmarks of his bowling. Even if you rewind to his early days, the same traits were evident. Back in January 2011, a 17-year-old Cummins was already making waves in domestic T20 cricket in Australia. His ability to dismantle top-order batsmen with a simple yet effective approach—hitting the pitch hard and targeting the stumps—was on full display.
Over the years, Cummins has perfected his craft, especially in high-stakes games. The 2023 World Cup final is a prime example, where he silenced a roaring crowd in Ahmedabad by dismissing Virant Kohli. His performance in the SRH-DC match was a reminder of his ability to rise to the occasion, even if the rain eventually dashed SRH’s playoff hopes.
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