Jaipur: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) bowler’ impressive defence of modest totals continued as the visitors pulled off a 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) on a tricky pitch to claim the top spot in the IPL-XI here Sunday.
Electing to bat, SRH posted 151 for seven, built around captain Kane Williamson’s (63, 43b, 7×4, 2×6) fourth half century of the season, and his 92-run partnership with Englishman Alex Hales (45, 39b, 4×4).
They set up the platform for a kill towards the end, but once they were dismissed, none of the following batsmen could make a substantial contribution.
For the hosts, Jofra Archer (3/26) was once again impressive with his pace and consistent execution of yorkers.
Home captain Ajinkya Rahane (65 n o, 53b, 5×4, 1×6) showed patience and Sanju Samson (40, 30b, 3×4, 1×6) hit a cameo but they left too much for the end. SRH pace duo of Sandeep Sharma (1/15) and Siddarth Kaul (2/23) were very effective in drying up the runs.
The hosts required 27 from the last two overs but Siddarth Kual (2/23) conceded only six runs and also removed local boy Mahipal Lomror (11). Krishnappa Gowtham (8) could not recreate the magic he had managed against Mumbai Indians.
SRH now lead the table with 12 points and are followed by Chennai Super Kings (10) and Kings XI Punjab (10).
Earlier, Hales, playing his first game of the season, built the innings patiently with his captain Williamson after Gowtham ensured that Shikhar Dhawan’s (6) string of low scores continued as the left-hander dragged one on to his stumps. No other batsmen could impress with the bat after the departure of Hales and Williamson.
Brief scores: SRH 151/7 (Kane Williamson 63; Jofra Archer 3/26) beat RR 140/6 (Ajinkya Rahane 65 n o, Siddarth Kaul 2/23) by 11 runs.
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