Nine games and top of the table, Sunrisers Hyderabad are in a world of their own and credit to the form they have been in. It was another top striking performance for the Orange Army as they stitched another win against a struggling Delhi Daredevils in the Indians Premier League (IPL) 2018.
A last-over victory for SRH ensured a seven-wicket victory as they gave DD a deafening blow to their chances in qualifying for the playoffs. What a scene for Kane Williamson? The interim skipper must be thrilled with the performances his side has staked up so far.
In pursuit of 164 runs, the hosts chased down the target in 19.5 overs with Yusuf Pathan 27 off 12 ensured his side go strong and long in match number 36. SRH snatched the numero uno place from Chennai, who earlier won against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on a Super Saturday double-header.
SRH batsmen finally come to life
The problem with SRH till now was their batting in which they disappointed on numerous occasions. But on Saturday, they came alive as they chased down a competitive target. Yes, the match went down to the wire, but credit to SRH for staying calm and showing they are here to win the title.
Kane Williamson scored a patient and important 32 off 30 balls to play a contributing role in the victory. And for the first time, all the batsmen played their part. It took time, but in the end, it was two points that mattered for the hosts. Williamson reached to 354 runs from nine games to lead the charge,
Needing 14 in the last over, it was always easy for the ever veteran Pathan, who went after Delhi seamer Daniel Christian hitting a six and a four after a double on the first ball as Williamson scored the winning shot.
Rashid Khan leads SRH charge
What more can be said about the world’s best Twenty20 bowler? The 19-year-old Afghanistan international was once again amongst the money in helping SRH getting the momentum they needed. The leg-spinner raced to 12 wickets in IPL 2018 one below than Purple Cap holder Umesh Yadav.
His economy of 7.08 in IPL 2018 has been in extreme positivity for the leaders. The bowler has bowled 87 dot balls in IPL 2018 which has been tremendous for the Orange Army. He once again stole the show with 2/23 in four overs. He got the crucial wickets of Prithvi Shaw (65) and in-form Rishabh Pant (18) to put brakes on the DD line-up. Rashid has truly lived up to the tag of being the leading T20 bowler of the world.
Prithvi Shaw a future great?
The U-19 World Cup winner laid a platform for Delhi Daredevils, who could not cash in on the same. He scored a 36-ball 65 laced with six fours and three sixes. The most fruitful over was the final one in the Powerplay where Shaw literally got stuck into Siddarth Kaul, hitting him for a six and three boundaries. The 18-year-old is one of the cleanest hitters among the ‘Gen-Next’ players.
While there is a preference for straight hits, he is equally adept in hitting the cut shots and is not afraid to pull the short balls when the need arises.
Till Shaw was taking on the bowlers, his skipper Shreyas Iyer (44 off 36 balls) played the second fiddle to perfection during their 86-run stand. Shaw was finally out when he tried to hit Rashid Khan against the turn, gifting a simple catch to Kaul at the short third man.
The question here is, is he a future great? Well by seeing his performances so far, one feels he could be the next Virat Kohli of the future.
Alex Hales a solid option for SRH?
The England international has cashed on in the limited performances he has found. This is the second match he has played in IPL 2018 and he has cashed on in the opportunity beautifully. He smashed a 31-ball 45 laced with three fours and three sixes. He added 76 runs for the opening wicket which in turn helped SRH gain control of the chase.
Hales is a recognized England firepower and him finally being recognized by SRH could get three to newer heights.