Mohammed Shami Shines with Slower Balls in LSG's IPL Victory Over SRH
Shami's Stellar Performance Leads LSG to Victory
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 5: Mohammed Shami expressed his joy and shared insights into his strategy of using slower balls after being named Player of the Match (POTM) for his pivotal role in Lucknow Super Giants' (LSG) five-wicket triumph against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) during the IPL 2026 match held on Sunday in Hyderabad.
Shami delivered an impressive bowling performance, achieving figures of 2/9 in 4 overs, which significantly contributed to LSG's success by causing a collapse in SRH's top order. Although SRH managed to score 156/9, it was insufficient as LSG clinched the match by five wickets. Remarkably, Shami bowled 18 dot balls throughout his four-over spell.
After receiving the POTM accolade, Shami explained that he opted for slower deliveries this season, influenced by his observations of opponents and their frequent use of such tactics last year.
“During my last visit here, I noticed many slower balls being bowled. That stayed with me, and I thought I should incorporate it into my game,” Shami remarked during the post-match presentation.
He highlighted the importance of this victory in regaining momentum following the team's earlier defeat. Shami stressed the need to stay connected with cricket, maintain fitness, and participate in domestic matches to keep his form intact. He noted that success hinges on skill, experience, and the ability to swiftly adapt to varying conditions.
“We are thrilled because we lost our last match at home, making this win crucial for building momentum. Once you gain that initial success, it tends to carry forward. If you are passionate about cricket and aspire to play at any level, staying engaged with the game is essential,” Shami stated.
“To perform well, maintaining fitness is vital. You must be fit to showcase your skills. My strategy regarding domestic cricket was to stay in touch with the game, which is why I participated in all matches. Adapting quickly to conditions and reading them accurately is crucial,” he added.
Shami, leading a disciplined bowling attack, dismantled the SRH top order right from the start. He made an impact in his very first over by dismissing Abhishek Sharma for a two-ball duck. Continuing his assault, he also took out Travis Head shortly after in his second over. Additionally, Prince Yadav contributed by claiming the wicket of SRH captain Ishan Kishan, further complicating matters for the Hyderabad team.
By the end of the Powerplay, SRH found themselves struggling at 22/3, which soon deteriorated to 26/4 when Liam Livingstone (14) was spectacularly caught by a diving Rishabh Pant off the bowling of Digvesh Rathi.
Despite a crucial 116-run partnership between SRH's Nitish Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen that lifted the team from a precarious position to a more competitive total, it ultimately fell short. LSG's captain, with an unbeaten 68*, led his team to a five-wicket victory over SRH.