"Welcome to parallel universe" - PBKS come up with a cheeky World Cup final reference as Travis Head is dismissed for a golden duck

Punjab Kings' (PBKS) official social media handles made a 2023 World Cup final reference after SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Australian opener Travis Head was dismissed for a golden duck in the PBKS vs SRH IPL 2024 clash on Sunday, May 19.

The 2023 World Cup final was played on November 19 in Ahmedabad, where the 30-year-old played a sensational innings against India. The 137-run knock from the southpaw helped Australia script a six-wicket win and propel them to a record sixth World Cup title.

On the contrary, in the ongoing PBKS vs SRH clash, Arshdeep Singh stunned the South Australian, cleaning him up on the first ball of the innings while defending 214.

After PBKS skipper Jitesh Sharma chose to bat, Atharva Taide and Prabhsimran Singh gave the visiting side a brisk start in Hyderabad, stitching a 97-run opening stand in 9.1 overs. Rilee Rossouw also hit a 23-ball 49, while Jitesh hit some lusty blows towards the end.

SunRisers Hyderabad win comfortably despite Travis Head's golden duck

Abhishek Sharma hammered 66. (Image Credits: Twitter)

Despite Head's early departure, the SunRisers Hyderabad prevailed in a steep run-chase of 215 in 20 overs. After the southpaw's departure, Rahul Tripathi and Abhishek Sharma put Punjab's bowlers to the sword. Tripathi made a brisk 33, while Abhishek departed for a 28-ball 66, effectively putting the match within SunRisers' grasp.

Nitish Reddy made another breezy 25-ball 37 as Heinrich Klaasen, Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed hit the remaining runs relatively easily with four wickets to spare. In the process, the Orange Army have given themselves a real chance of a top-two finish in the table.

The four teams heading to the playoffs are SunRisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders.