Mitchell Starc Shines with Five-Wicket Haul in T20 Match Against SRH
Starc's Impressive Performance
Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) [India], March 30: In a standout performance, Mitchell Starc, the Australian pacer playing for Delhi Capitals (DC), achieved his first five-wicket haul in T20 cricket. Following the match, he humorously remarked on his encounters with Travis Head, suggesting that his bowling has made Head hesitant to face the first ball of the innings.
Starc's exceptional bowling against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Vizag saw him finish with figures of 5/35 in just four overs. Notably, he dismissed the dangerous opener Travis Head, marking the sixth time he has gotten him out in T20 matches, having conceded only 34 runs in 18 balls over eight innings.
With this achievement, Starc becomes the second bowler from DC to secure a five-wicket haul in the IPL, following spinner Amit Mishra, who recorded 5/17 against Deccan Chargers in 2008.
After his remarkable performance, Starc emphasized the importance of taking wickets during the powerplay against SRH. He also reflected on his longevity in T20 cricket, stating, “We understand how formidable Sunrisers can be. Securing wickets in the powerplay was crucial. Overall, it was a fantastic team effort in the first innings. It feels great to be part of a new franchise. This is our second game, and I’m enjoying getting to know my teammates. At 35, I may not be the youngest, but I believe I still have some cricket left in me. Regarding dismissing Head multiple times, I think that’s why he’s hesitant to face me at the start.”
In the match, SRH won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision they soon regretted as they found themselves at 37/4. A partnership of 77 runs between Aniket Verma (74 runs off 41 balls, including five fours and six sixes) and Heinrich Klaasen (32 runs off 19 balls, with two fours and two sixes) provided some stability. However, quick wickets from Kuldeep Yadav (3/22) and Starc (5/35) led to SRH being bowled out for 163 runs in 18.4 overs.