Sunrisers Hyderabad put up a clinical show against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2015 IPL game at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore on Monday. Chasing 167 for victory, Sunrisers Hyderabad were boosted by an 82-run opening partnership between David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan. Warner scored a belligerent 57 off 27 balls while Dhawan stayed till the end to score an unbeaten 50 off 42 balls as Sunrisers Hyderabad registered an eight-wicket win. This was their first victory in the 2015 IPL and Dhawan believes this win will boost the team's confidence.
Speaking to iplt20.com, Dhawan said the effort of the bowlers was crucial in this victory. "Getting 10 wickets is no small deal, especially against a batting lineup like this. Our bowlers pulled things back wonderfully after the 15th over. They deserve all the credit," he said. RCB had made a good start after they were inserted in, with Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli scoring freely. At 93 for 2 in the 12th over, RCB were heading towards a big score. However, some wonderful bowling at the end from Trent Boult (3 for 36) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2 for 30) pegged them back.
Sunrisers Hyderabad ensured that the effort of the bowlers did not go to waste and the openers set up the base nicely. When asked about how it felt to be batting with Warner, Dhawan stated it was impactful. "Although we havent opened together for a whole lot of matches, we share a good understanding. For instance, in the last match when I was scoring quickly, he played the support role. Today he when he went hammer and tongs, I supported him. We balance each other out well," he said.
Dhawan not only played second fiddle to Warner, he also played the anchor role during his 78-run partnership with KL Rahul, who scored 44 off 28 balls. He said it was difficult to curb his natural aggressive instinct but he had to do it for the team. "I reminded myself that I have a job at hand and that requires me to bat in a certain way. When Warner and Kane Williamson got out in a two-over span and Rahul came in, the need of the hour was to build a partnership because one more wicket could have put too much pressure on us. Even if I am feeling confident that I can hit a particular bowler, I have to refrain from doing so. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that I have the ability to stay disciplined and play according to the situation. My aim was to bat 20 overs and see the team home."
Sunrisers Hyderabad will now play the Rajasthan Royals in Vizag on Thursday while RCB will take on Mumbai Indians on Sunday.
- Manohar
