Search

show me:

Abhishek tops Orange Cap as Rabada charges up charts

3 minute read

A wild day in the IPL saw Abhishek Sharma claim the Orange Cap, while Kagiso Rabada stormed into the Purple Cap chase with a fast-bowling masterclass.

KAGISO RABADA of South Africa celebrate during the Sunfoil Test match between South Africa and Australia at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
KAGISO RABADA of South Africa celebrate during the Sunfoil Test match between South Africa and Australia at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Abhishek Sharma has surged to the top of the IPL's Orange Cap standings after a blistering run-scoring display on a dramatic Super Saturday, while Kagiso Rabada climbed into the Purple Cap race after spearheading Gujarat Titans' win over Chennai Super Kings.

The batting leaderboard changed hands repeatedly across a remarkable day. Virat Kohli, who began atop the charts, slipped to fifth as several rivals produced big scores in quick succession.

First, Delhi Capitals opener KL Rahul blasted an unbeaten 152, the highest score by an Indian in T20 cricket according to the match report, to move to 357 runs from seven innings and briefly claim top spot.

That lead lasted less than two hours. In Jaipur, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hammered a stunning 37-ball 103 to also reach 357 runs, edging ahead of Rahul on strike rate and taking the Orange Cap.

Then came another twist. Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma produced 57 from just 29 balls, his fourth score above fifty in eight innings, to leapfrog them both and finish the day on 380 runs. Heinrich Klaasen's 29 further strengthened his place among the leading run-scorers, moving him to 349, just ahead of Shubman Gill on 330 and Kohli on 328.

In the bowling race, Rabada made his move with a sharp spell of 3 for 25 from four overs in Gujarat's eight-wicket victory over Chennai at Chepauk.

With moisture left in the surface for an afternoon match, fast bowlers found more assistance than expected. Rabada took full advantage, bowling at around 145 kph and troubling batters with pace and steep bounce.

His three wickets lifted him to 13 for the season, joint-third in the Purple Cap standings. Chennai's Anshul Kamboj and Sunrisers' Eshan Malinga remain level at the top with 14 wickets each, but Rabada is now firmly in pursuit.


Racing and Sports

today's racing

Error occured

What’s gambling really costing you?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au