David Warner’s knock ensured Sunrisers Hyderabad did not lose momentum: Ajinkya Rahane

Sanju Samson’s brilliant 102, his second IPL century had boosted Rajasthan Royals to a mammoth 198/2 against Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad. However, David Warner’s 69 and valuable contributions from Vijay Shankar and Jonny Bairstow helped Sunrisers Hyderabad achieve their highest successful chase in the history of the IPL. The win was Sunrisers Hyderabad’s first in this tournament while for Rajasthan Royals, it was their second consecutive loss. Speaking after the match, Rajasthan Royals skipper Ajinkya Rahane admitted that David Warner’s knock was the difference in the chase of 199. “When someone like Warner (69 off 37 balls) bats like that, it's very less margins for the bowler. They didn't lose momentum throughout. When he (Warner) got out, Vijay Shankar batted well too,” Rahane said.

Samson’s brilliant knock laid the foundation for Rajasthan Royals’ good total. Rahane said the total was a good one and heaped praise on the efforts of Samson. “I think first of all, we thought 190 plus was very good score. Initially when Sanju and me were batting the wicket looked slow -- it was stopping and coming -- and we were aiming to get 150 plus. But credit to Sunrisers for the momentum they got in the powerplay. Sanju's been fantastic for us. We all know how talented he is. I'm sure he's also hurt but he'll go miles. Consistency is the key for him,” Rahane said.

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Sunrisers captain Kane Williamson credited Warner and Jonny Bairstow (45 off 28) for setting up the platform for the win. The duo added a century stand for the opening wicket as Sunrisers reached the target in 19 overs. "It was a tough game. Rajasthan Royals played really well to get to that total after the start we had with the ball. It was a brilliant chase. The openers set it up for us. A good collective effort. It certainly wasn't easy.  There are some areas we want to touch up on. We needed many parts to fire to chase near 200. It was a good experience for us as a batting unit to chase it down," Williamson said. 

Man-of-the-match Rashid Khan, who bowled an economical 1/24 spell and struck a four and six off Jofra Archer to finish off the chase, said he was happy with his performance. "I just try my best to be positive in every game, in every department. I am working hard and believing in my own skills, so that's what is working for me," the star Afghan cricketer said. Talking about Jos Buttler's dismissal, Rashid said: "The plan was to bowl in the good length area to Buttler. As I've got him out a few times previously, so that's why I came in early.         

 "Just tried to bowl in good areas. Didn't want to give room to batsmen because the ball wasn't turning much. I was mixing my variations, just tried my best to mix up my five leg-spinners. I realised it wasn't a wicket where there will be too much turn."

-With PTI inputs-

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sunrisers Hyderabad achieved their highest successful chase in IPL history.
• Sanju Samson scored his second century in the IPL.
• Rashid Khan was the Man of the Match for his all-round skills.