Jonny Bairstow 2016 Final Player of Match
The explosive all-round display that secured Sunrisers Hyderabad their first-ever IPL trophy in Kolkata.
The 2016 Indian Premier League Final remains a defining moment in Sunrisers Hyderabad's history, crowned by an unforgettable performance from Player of the Match Ben Cutting. Playing for the Sunrisers against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens, Cutting delivered an all-round display that anchored the team to their maiden title. His contribution was not merely statistical but symbolic, representing the explosive finishing power that defined the 2016 squad under David Warner's captaincy.
- Player
- Ben Cutting
- Role
- All-rounder
- Team
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Opponent
- Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Venue
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Match Type
- IPL 2016 Final
- Award
- Player of the Match
Lore & Background
Cutting's performance in the final was a culmination of a tournament where he established himself as a clutch all-rounder in T20 cricket. His ability to smash boundaries at the death and pick crucial wickets against high-quality batting lineups made him a nightmare for opposition captains. The Player of the Match award recognized not just his runs and wickets, but his mental fortitude in a high-stakes environment, cementing his legacy as a hero of Sunrisers Hyderabad's inaugural triumph.
In Their Own Story
The Kolkata night was thick with humidity and anticipation as Bairstow walked to the crease. The roar of Eden Gardens seemed to vibrate through the stumps. He tapped his bat against his pads, eyes fixed on the bowler's run-up. With Warner already racing down the track, Bairstow found a loose delivery and whipped it effortlessly over mid-wicket. The crowd erupted, but he remained focused, knowing this was the moment that would etch his name into Sunrisers folklore forever.
Reader's Guide
The primary honour associated with this entry is the Player of the Match award for the IPL 2016 Final. This accolade was achieved by scoring a crucial 59 runs off 34 balls, helping set a challenging target against Royal Challengers Bangalore. This performance directly contributed to Sunrisers Hyderabad winning their maiden IPL title, ending a four-year wait since the franchise's inception in 2013. The victory marked a significant milestone in the club's history, establishing them as a force in Indian cricket. Bairstow's innings is remembered for its efficiency and timing, particularly in the death overs where he accelerated the scoring rate. His partnership with David Warner, who scored 96 runs, formed one of the most formidable opening duos in IPL history during that season.
Did You Know?
- Ben Cutting was part of the lower-order firepower that helped Sunrisers Hyderabad post a match-winning total in the 2016 final.
- The 2016 Final victory ended a title drought for the franchise, which had previously struggled to reach the final stages since joining the IPL in 2013.
- Cutting's Player of the Match award made him one of the few players to win the honour in an IPL final while playing as a specialist all-rounder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Player of the Match in the 2016 IPL Final?
Jonny Bairstow, the English wicketkeeper-batsman for Sunrisers Hyderabad, earned this honor after delivering a match-winning performance against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
What specific role did Jonny Bairstow play during that final match?
As the team's explosive middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper, he anchored the innings with a powerful knock that guided Sunrisers Hyderabad to their maiden title victory.
Where did this historic Player of the Match performance take place?
The defining moment occurred at Eden Gardens in Kolkata during the 2016 Indian Premier League Final showdown between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Why is Jonny Bairstow's 2016 Final performance considered so important?
His innings was not just a statistical feat but the catalyst that secured the franchise's first-ever IPL trophy, symbolizing the aggressive batting style of David Warner's squad.
Did this Player of the Match award mark the end of Bairstow's story with Sunrisers Hyderabad?
No, while this performance capped a legendary 2016 season for him, it was merely the highlight of his tenure rather than the conclusion of his time with the team.