HYDERABAD: Sunrisers Hyderabad registered a comfortable nine-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals yesterday as they opened their Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign in style.
Set 126 to win, Hyderabad reached their target with 25 balls to spare as Shikhar Dhawan and captain Kane Williamson combined to guide their team to a comfortable victory.
After winning the toss, Hyderabad sent Rajasthan in to bat, and the decision paid off in the first over when opening batsman D’Arcy Short (4) was run out by Williamson.
Rajasthan captain Ajinkya Rahane (13) and Sanju Samson (49), who top-scored for Rajasthan, then combined for 46 runs – their side’s only meaningful partnership before the skipper was removed by Siddarth Kaul.
England all-rounder Ben Stokes (5), who proved a huge success in his debut IPL season for Rising Pune Supergiant last year, failed to steady the Rajasthan innings, nor did his international teammate Jos Buttler who only fared one run better.
Firepower
Rahul Tripathi (17) and Shreyas Gopal (18) ensured the Rajasthan innings didn’t end in total collapse.
However, the target posted by Rajasthan was never going to trouble Hyderabad, particularly given their top-order firepower.
While Wriddhiman Saha (5) was dismissed early by Jaydev Unadkat, his removal only paved the way for Dhawan and Williamson to come together and lead Hyderabad to victory.
Dhawan’s 77 came off just 57 deliveries and comprised 13 fours and a six. Williamson, meanwhile, was a touch more conservative compared to Dhawan. The New Zealand captain took 35 balls to reach his 36, hitting three fours and a six.
BRIEF SCORES: Sunrisers Hyderabad 127 for 1 (Dhawan 77*, Williamson 36*) beat Rajasthan Royals 125 for 9 (Samson 49, Kaul 2-17, Shakib 2-23) by nine wickets.
TODAY’S MATCH: Chennai Super Kings v Kolkata Knight Riders (Chennai, 5.30pm)