It took an explosive ton from Chris Gayle to end Kane Williamson‘s Sunrisers Hyderabad‘s unbeaten streak in this year’s IPL.
Ravichandran Ashwin won the toss and elected to bat. It was the first time that a team winning the toss had opted to bat first.
Gayle ran a single hard before unleashing his beast mode. The Jamaican slammed 11 sixes and a four to get to an outstanding hundred.
The hosts finished on 193/3 in their 20 overs. Karun Nair supported the big man with a steady 31 off 21 balls. The Orange army were yet to be tested with their bat in hand, as they have always restricted their opposition to a decent total.
Gayle storm sets the stage on fire
Post the 15-run defeat, Kane Williamson credited Gayle for his hurricane knock. He also said that they would take a cue from the Punjab bowlers’ performance.
“Hats off to Chris Gayle. We know what he can do. This wicket wasn’t a free-flowing wicket. We can learn a few things from the way they bowled. They bowled a touch short; we were much fuller.”
SRH missed their key man- Dhawan
Dhawan was retired hurt after facing the very first ball. Williamson said he is happy with the way the opener had gone about his job in this IPL so far. The Kiwi-star admitted they would have to re-group and execute the plan well in the upcoming games.
“Shikhar has been hitting the ball beautifully; he’s got a role to play. Tonight, our loss wasn’t because of lack of effort. The lengths they bowled was superb; they used the big boundaries well. Now, we’ve to just look forward to the next game. There’s been a clear pattern of play we’re looking to execute; we didn’t do that tonight.” Williamson said.
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