David Warner is having a merry-run in the IPL 2019. He has opted for a unique method in a crucial tie against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), to tackle premium off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for Mankading him in the ongoing IPL season.
The Mankading incident of this IPL season came to the fore when Ashwin Mankaded Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) Jos Buttler at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on April 25. It eventually led to a massive controversy in the cricketing landscape.
After that, Ashwin has drawn flak for becoming the centre of attention. With many former cricketers terming the act against the spirit of the game while rest believed its well in the laws of the game by defending KXIP skipper.
How Warner’s tactic unfolded at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium:
In the match against KXIP on Monday night (April 29), the southpaw continued his domination by battering the bowlers. Warner brought up his eighth fifty of the ongoing IPL season while playing his twelfth match.
The Australian opener Warner, who remained away for 12 months in the wake up of ball tampering saga during Cape Town Test in South Africa, made a strong return in the competitive cricket after his ban was lifted on March 29.
Warner slammed three consecutive fifties in the IPL before leading the run charts of the IPL 2019 edition.
The Orange cap holder has accumulated 692 runs in 12 matches, so far, at an exceptional average of 69.20.
The explosive opener struck 81 off 56 deliveries against KXIP. His innings included seven fours and two sixes. He eventually helped hosts to win the game by 45 runs. Rashid Khan and Khaleel Ahmed bagged three wickets each, whereas Sandeep Sharma managed to claim two wickets.
Thus, hosts restrict Punjab at 167 for eight in 20 overs with some contribution from Wriddhiman Saha, Manish Pandey and Mohammad Nabi.
Earlier, SRH posted 212 for six in their 20 overs. At the kick-off of the match, Ashwin opted to field first.
However, in the same match, Warner stood deep in the crease at non-striker’s end. Subsequently, it gave a fair idea of how his tactic helped him before ambling forward when Ashwin came to the attack.
Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman leaked runs (66) in his four overs. Besides, Ashwin bagged two wickets while conceding 30 runs off 24 deliveries.
On the other side, many batters have teased Ashwin following the infamous incident.
Meanwhile, Ashwin dismissed Warner before the latter bids adieu to this season of the IPL in a bid to join the World Cup-bound squad in Australia.
Following a recent win, SRH has bagged two crucial points. Now, they sit at fourth spot while bagging 12 points with overall six victories in 12 matches.
Hyderabad is set to play their away game against Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 2 at the historic Wankhede Stadium.