Agencies/Hyderabad
David Warner, with a 28-ball 61, enabled the Sunrisers Hyderabad to record a 22-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings in their Indian Premier League match played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, in Hyderabad yesterday.
The Super Kings, needing 193 for the win, were 170 for six at the end of their allotted 20 overs. The Sunrisers, having been asked to bat after MS Dhoni had won the toss, set off with one goal in mind: to beat the log leaders. Warner and Shikhar Dhawan set the ball rolling, compiling 86 for the opening stand.
The Australian, known for his aggressive approach, as per usual got his team off to a flier, treating every delivery he faced with disdain, smashing 11 boundaries and - unusual for him - only one six, which was launched over cow-corner.
Moises Henriques made a cameo appearance striking 19 off nine balls, before dancing halfway up the track to take on Pawan Negi, but completely misread the delivery and Dhoni did the necessary. Dhawan (37), was stupidly run-out, after looking in complete control, going for a second run, which was only on in his mind.
Eoin Morgan and Naman Ojha tried to shoot the lights out, achieving just that, with the floodlights failing. After a 15-minute delay, the Sunrisers lost two wickets for three runs in seven balls. Ojha was bowled by Ashish Nehra and Ashish Reddy was caught behind by Dhoni. Morgan was the last man standing, unbeaten on 32.
Chennai Super Kings’ version of Warner, Brendon McCullum (12), failed to set the game alight. After giving Bhuvneshwar Kumar the treatment, the bowler shortened his length, which McCullum only succeeded in chopping onto his stumps.
Dwayne Smith looked ill at ease, and another top-edge claimed a wicket. Smith cross-batted an Henriques delivery, only found the edge and Hanuma Vihari ran in from deep square-leg, to take an excellent running catch.
Henriques stepped up to the plate again to claim the important scalp of Suresh Raina. The dangerous batsman mistimed the slower delivery and lofted it into the safe hands of Morgan.
Faf du Plessis and Dhoni looked to readdress the balance of power with a fourth-wicket partnership of 45 runs.
But lady luck deserted them, Du Plessis (33), was freakishly run out and Dhoni (20), was bowled by the military-medium pace of Reddy. The departure of the two senior batsmen signalled the end of all resistance.
Brief scores
Sunrisers Hyderabad 192 for 7 in 20 overs (Warner 61, Bravo 3-25) bt Chennai Super Kings 170 for 6 in 20 overs (Du Plessis 33, Henriques 2-20, Bhuvneshwar 2-32) by 22 runs
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner hits out during his 28-ball 61 against Chennai Super Kings yesterday. (BCCI)
