Hyderabad, April 5 (NationPress) Experienced fast bowler Mohammed Shami expressed his delight after the Lucknow Super Giants achieved a thrilling victory in the final over against Sunrisers Hyderabad during their Indian Premier League 2026 match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Saturday. He highlighted that this win was vital for regaining momentum following their recent home defeat.

Lucknow managed to chase down the target of 157 runs with just one ball remaining, with captain Rishabh Pant sealing the game in a nail-biting finish that kept fans on edge.

Shami reflected on the importance of this win, noting it was particularly fulfilling after the team's recent loss.

“We are very pleased because we lost the last match at home, so it was essential for us to secure this victory to build momentum. Once you gain that momentum, it tends to carry through,” he stated after being awarded Player of the Match.

He played a crucial role in limiting Hyderabad to 156/9, especially after the hosts seemed poised for a larger score due to a solid middle-order partnership between Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

The seasoned bowler underscored the necessity of staying in top physical shape to consistently perform at elite levels.

“To perform well, it is crucial to maintain your fitness. When you’re on the field, you must exert that extra effort. Therefore, the goal is to keep yourself fit whenever possible,” he remarked.

According to Shami, victories like this not only enhance team morale but also drive players to pursue further success throughout the lengthy tournament. “When the team wins, it brings immense joy. Winning in such a fashion motivates you to continue striving for more victories—it’s truly exhilarating,” he added.

With years of experience in top-tier cricket, the Indian pacer also discussed the significance of experience and ongoing improvement as a specialist bowler. He mentioned that honing skills over time and recognizing areas for development remain critical even for veteran players.

“Having played for many years, that experience certainly assists. If we consider someone like Mohammed Shami, he possesses that experience—skills evolve with time, and understanding your weaknesses is equally important, particularly as a specialist,” he concluded.

This win provided Lucknow with invaluable momentum in the tournament, as Shami's early breakthroughs and Rishabh Pant's batting contributions laid the groundwork for a hard-fought victory in Hyderabad.