Pat Cummins’ Sunrisers Hyderabad produced a complete team performance to defeat Punjab Kings by 33 runs in their IPL 2026 match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The victory saw SRH move above PBKS in the standings and strengthen their push toward the playoffs, with the franchise collecting 14 points after 11 league matches. SRH still have three remaining fixtures in the league phase.
Wasim Jaffer heaps praise on SRH’s surge
After the win, former India batter Wasim Jaffer lauded Cummins and his squad for the way they have been turning performances into results. Jaffer highlighted the impact of pacer Sakib Hussain, calling him the standout “find” of the season for SRH.
Jaffer also discussed Hussain’s early spell and how the pacer has transformed the bowling unit since arriving. He noted that the right-arm seamer is from Bihar and that SRH had bought him for Rs 30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction. Jaffer pointed out that Hussain made his IPL debut against Rajasthan Royals and immediately delivered a strong showing with figures of 4 for 24.
He added that after that first outing, Hussain played six matches and managed to claim a wicket in every one of those games.
“I think Sakib Hussain is the find of the season for SRH. Ehsan Malinga as well. He was getting hit at the start but has been a revolution. SRH’s bowling has stepped up a lot. If the bowling complements the batting like this, then they are a team to beat. Sunrisers have almost confirmed their playoffs spot now and will aim to finish in the top two,” Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
Jaffer further backed the side’s title credentials, saying the batting has been in excellent rhythm and that the openers have been providing strong starts. He also argued that the rest of the group has been showing form consistently and that SRH’s bowling has remained effective. While he suggested that a bit of luck is always part of winning a championship, he felt SRH have the ingredients to go all the way.
“SRH have everything to win the title. Their batting is going good. The openers are giving good starts. Others are in good form as well. Almost the entire team is in form. What else do you need? The bowling has been good too. They have it all and can go all the way. To win the championship, luck factor is also a bit important. If they get that too, they can certainly go all the way,” he added.
SRH post 235/4 as PBKS struggle in the chase
- In the match, Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan powered the innings as SRH amassed 235 for 4 after being sent in to bat first.
- Abhishek Sharma made 35 off 13 balls before getting out, while Travis Head struck 38 off 19.
- SRH built momentum through a 54-run opening stand that came in only 3.3 overs.
- Ishan Kishan then played a key innings of 55 off 32, setting the platform for the late surge.
- Klaasen finished with 69 off 43, accelerating the total and ensuring PBKS faced a daunting chase.
- PBKS began their run chase disastrously, slumping to 4 for 2 within 1.1 overs and then 23 for 3 by 3.2 overs.
- Despite Cooper Connolly’s resistance, the chase never gained traction for the rest of the batting lineup.
- Connolly battled on for a lone century, remaining unbeaten on 107 off 59, but he did not receive enough support from the other end.
With PBKS unable to mount a serious recovery after their early setbacks, SRH held on to win by 33 runs, reinforcing their climb in the race for the playoffs.
