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

A Command Performance at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium

In a high-octane clash between two teams already qualified for the IPL 2026 playoffs, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) demonstrated exactly why they are considered one of the tournament favorites. Facing off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Hyderabad side maintained their relentless momentum, clinching a comprehensive 55-run victory at their home ground.

Batting Fireworks Propel SRH to 255

The tone for the match was set early by the Sunrisers’ batting lineup, which treated the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium to a display of pure power-hitting. The top order was in a destructive mood, dismantling the Bengaluru bowling attack with clinical precision. Ishan Kishan led the charge with a blistering 79 off 46 deliveries, supported brilliantly by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 56 off 22 balls and a vintage cameo from Heinrich Klaasen, who contributed 51 off 24. These efforts propelled SRH to a massive total of 255 for 4.

For RCB, it was a day to forget with the ball. Even their standout performer of the season, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, struggled, conceding 51 runs in his four overs without claiming a wicket. Josh Hazlewood faced a tough outing, finishing as the most expensive bowler, while Rasikh Salam’s economy rate of 13.00 further highlighted the sheer dominance of the SRH batters.

RCB’s Valiant but Insufficient Chase

Chasing a mammoth target of 256, RCB required an extraordinary effort. The innings began promisingly with Venkatesh Iyer, stepping in as an opener for the injured Jacob Bethell, providing some much-needed aggression. His quick-fire 44 off 19 balls gave Bengaluru a glimmer of hope. However, once the initial momentum faded, the SRH bowlers tightened their grip. Despite a steady partnership between Krunal Pandya and captain Rajat Patidar, RCB could never truly threaten the required run rate, eventually finishing on 200 for 4.

Pat Cummins Hails His Bowling Unit

While the batters provided the platform, it was the disciplined bowling attack that ensured the win. Eshan Malinga was particularly effective, returning 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 bowlers.

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

Cummins specifically singled out his young bowling talents for their consistency throughout the season. “They’ve been fantastic. I’ve actually learned a lot off those guys as well. The way Eshan has bowled all season, particularly in that powerplay—he’s been the form bowler of the competition, with his slow balls and his mixing up of different things. And of course, Sakib [Hussain] there as well. It’s a captain’s dream.”

Looking Ahead to the Playoffs

With the league stage concluding, the focus now shifts to the playoffs. When asked about the upcoming fixture in New Chandigarh, Cummins remained composed. “It’s still 5-6 days away. So we’ll rest up for a couple of days, head up there. The guys know the ground pretty well. I think we’ll know who we’re playing in the next day or two.”

As Sunrisers Hyderabad heads into the final phase of IPL 2026, their blend of explosive batting and clever, tactical bowling makes them a formidable force. Whether they can maintain this level of intensity remains to be seen, but for now, the mood in the Hyderabad camp is one of confidence and clinical execution.