Picture Credit : BCCI
When it comes to defending small totals , there is none better than the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kane Williamson and his team once again produced sterling show to defend and win. Sunrisers bowlers backed by fielding have risen to occasion superbly.
Electing to bat, Hyderabad posted 151 for seven, built around captain Kane Williamson’s 63-run knock, his fourth fifty of the season, and his 92-run partnership with Englishman Alex Hales (45) , playing his first game of this edition. Williamson was dropped by Rhaul Tripathi when on 11 off the bowling of Archer and this error cost Rajasthan the match in the end as he went to score 52 more runs. The Royals fielding in this IPL 2018 has been very sloppy and it has cost them matches.
For the Royals , Jofra Archer (3/26) again was impressive with his pace and yorkers, while spinner Krishnappa Gowtham provided vital breakthroughs, conceding only 18 runs in his four overs.
While chasing the Royals barring skipper Ajinkya Rahane who remained unbeaten on a classy (65 not out, 53 balls) and Sanju Samson hit a 30-ball 40 were the notable contributors. Hyderabad pace duo of Sandeep Sharma (1/15) and Siddarth Kaul (2/23) ricked the Royals with their spells. Royals finished at 141
The overseas signings for Rouyals Ben Stokes and Jos Butter flopped once again. Their failures have hit the team hard. Stokes was bought by Royals for w whopping Rs 12. 5 cr. But has hardly contributed either with the ball or with the bat. This has put a huge pressure on skipper Rahane, Sanju Samson
Another big signing Jaidev Unadkat bought at Rs 11. 5 cr is struggling to take wickets and proving expensive as well.
