The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has witnessed an unprecedented surge in high-scoring matches, with teams consistently breaching the 265-run mark. This phenomenon has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the changing dynamics of T20 cricket.
SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) has emerged as the frontrunner in this scoring spree. They have already registered three scores of 265 or more, including a record-breaking 287/3 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. In their match against Delhi Capitals, SRH set a new world record by scoring 125 runs in just six overs, reaching the 100-run mark in a mere five overs.
Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram expressed his astonishment at these high scores. “Scoring 100 in five overs is illegal,” he remarked. “Even if you bowl full toss, that can’t happen. You are paying the bowlers to get hit.”
Akram also praised SRH’s formidable batting lineup, led by Australian Travis Head and South African Heinrich Klaasen. “There is no more fearsome batting unit than SRH’s in any league,” he said. “They have a great balance of power hitters and finishers.”
The high scores have also raised concerns about the impact on bowlers. “I do feel for the bowlers in this format,” Akram said. “They have to think outside the box. Scoring 100 in five overs is unreal.”
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting echoed Akram’s sentiments. “It’s like scoring 500 in a 50-over game,” he said. “Thank God I am not bowling. It shows how cricket has changed.”
The IPL 2024 has highlighted the evolving nature of T20 cricket, where boundaries are becoming less significant and hitting prowess is at a premium. Teams are constantly pushing the limits of scoring, and it remains to be seen how bowlers will adapt to this new era of high-octane batting.
