One interesting trend about the Sunrisers Hyderabad in this edition of the IPL was their poor track record in away games. They finally set that straight win a convincing performance over Kings XI Punjab in Mohali. The visitors were dominant on all fronts as things took off with openers Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner providing the side off to a blistering start. Kane Williamson’s productive cameo eventually got them over the coveted 200 run mark.
Punjab got off to a promising start as Martin Guptill in his first outing for Kings XI played a brief cameo. The match, however, was turned on its head thanks to an efficient spell from Rashid Khan, as the leggie picked up a wicket while conceding just 16 runs in his 4 overs.
Post the 26 runs victory, David Warner lauded his team for a fine performance, Shikhar Dhawan in particular.
“The way he played, it was the Shikhar of old,” said Warner. “Williamson is a fantastic player, the way he plays so freely and elegantly, it’s great for our team. I’ve said in my previous interviews that we strive to find the right balance, and we’ve got that. I just tried to tinker a bit with what Kings XI did that I felt was easier for us in the first six overs of our innings.”
“We know here generally, getting 180 you generally win most games. The wicket played fantastically. Fantastic innings from Marsh. A couple of basic drops from us in the outfield. It’s a bit hard at this venue in the lights, but no excuses,” Warner added.
Rashid Khan was the obvious choice for the Man of the Match and the teenager was delighted with yet another fine bowling performance.
“It’s a big league and it’s a big stage, playing with big names. So always trying my best to learn from them,” Khan said. “We have a very good coaching staff. Murali has been superb so far with me and is supporting me and is giving me all his experience. I’m enjoying myself with him. The confidence and the motivation given from the coaching staff and the skipper helps. I would like to dedicate this award to my brother. He has prayed for me and this goes to him.”