IPL 2026: Pat Cummins Praises SRH Bowling Unit After Commanding Win Over RCB

Dominance in Hyderabad: SRH Overpowers RCB

In a clash between two already qualified playoff teams, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) proved why they are a formidable force in the 2026 Indian Premier League. Facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, the Sunrisers maintained their intense momentum, securing a resounding 55-run victory that reinforced their championship credentials.

A Batting Masterclass

The tone for the match was set early as the SRH batting lineup unleashed an aggressive assault on the RCB bowlers. Leading the charge, Ishan Kishan delivered a blistering 79 off just 46 deliveries. He was ably supported by Abhishek Sharma, who smashed 56 off 22 balls, and Heinrich Klaasen, who added a quick-fire 51 off 24. These collective contributions propelled the Sunrisers to a daunting total of 255 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.

For Bengaluru, the bowling unit struggled to contain the flow of runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, usually a reliable figure, had a challenging outing, conceding 51 runs in four overs without picking up a wicket. Josh Hazlewood proved to be particularly expensive, while Rasikh Salam, despite taking two wickets, struggled with an economy rate of 13.00, underscoring the sheer dominance of the SRH batting unit on the night.

The RCB Response

Chasing a mammoth target of 256, RCB needed a flying start. Venkatesh Iyer, stepping in as an opener for the injured Jacob Bethell, showed intent with an explosive 44 off 19 balls. However, once the momentum stalled, the rest of the lineup struggled to keep pace with the required run rate. Although Krunal Pandya and captain Rajat Patidar built a steady partnership, it lacked the necessary aggression to challenge the SRH target. Eventually, RCB concluded their innings at 200 for 4, falling well short of the target.

Pat Cummins Hails Bowling Prowess

The standout performance for the Sunrisers came from their bowling unit, led by Eshan Malinga, who returned impressive figures of 2 for 33 in his four-over spell. During the post-match presentation, captain Pat Cummins was effusive in his praise for his side.

“It was pretty impressive to get the score that we did,” Cummins reflected. “I thought the boys batted fantastically and it’s a good bowling performance. So everyone’s hitting their straps.”

Cummins specifically highlighted the growth and impact of his young bowlers. “The bowling unit has been fantastic. I’ve actually learned a lot off those guys as well. The way Eshan has bowled all season, particularly in that powerplay, has been a captain’s dream. He’s been the form bowler of the competition, mixing up his slow balls and changing his pace effectively. Sakib Hussain has also been exceptional alongside him.”

Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

With this victory, SRH solidifies their form heading into the crucial stages of the tournament. Regarding the preparation for the next match in New Chandigarh, Cummins noted the importance of recovery. “It’s still 5-6 days away, so we’ll rest up for a couple of days before heading up there. The guys know the ground pretty well, and we look forward to seeing who we face next.”

As the 2026 IPL season approaches its climax, the combination of a high-octane batting order and a disciplined bowling attack makes Sunrisers Hyderabad one of the most dangerous teams in the league. With captain Pat Cummins providing steady leadership and the bowlers continuing to refine their craft, SRH remains a team to watch in the race for the trophy.