What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
MUMBAI: Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by seven wickets in match 25 of the Indian Premier League 2022.
Batting first, after losing the toss, Kolkata got off to a poor start Venkatesh Iyer, Aaron Finch and Sunil Narine departed within the first 5 overs. Hyderabad seamers made good use of the pitch on which the ball was jagging around. Captain Shreyas Iyer made 28 runs and added 39 runs for the fourth wicket with Nitish Rana to stabilise the innings.
After Iyer was cleaned up by Umran Malik, wicketkeeper Sheldon Jackson also perished soon. Rana was joined by Andre Russell and both of them collectively unleashed carnage on Hyderabad bowlers. Rana scored 54 off 36 balls and his innings included six boundaries and two sixes.Russell, on the other hand, was even brutal as he unfurled four massive sixes and remained unbeaten on 49 off 25 balls. His turbocharged innings helped Kolkata reach 175-8 in 20 overs.
Unlike the last couple of matches, Hyderabad lost their openers – Abhishek Sharma and captain Kane Williamson – early. But Rahul Tripathi and Aiden Markram joined forces and put together a spectacular partnership of 94 runs.Tripathi looked in imperious touch and put Kolkata bowlers to sword with consummate ease. Markram, who usually sticks to conventional shots, also reeled off an uncharacteristically whirlwind innings. Tripathi fell after thumping 71 runs off 37 balls, which included six sixes, but Markram remained unbeaten for 68 off just 36 balls.
Hyderabad reached the target in 17.5 overs to register their third victory on the trot. Tripathi was chosen Man of the Match for his zestful innings.
“I enjoyed myself today. The time with KKR was special, and now it is special with SRH as well. Russell bangs it in short if you are new, and I was looking for that shot if the ball was there,” Tripathi said after the match.
“I have been struggling with my health over the last few days and the management did a very good job with me. There are days when things get tough, but I enjoy the hard work and the good days. Before going in to bat, I am a little fidgety, but I am happy that I got this innings today,” he added.
Hyderanbad captain Willaimson praised his bowlers for taking early wickets and bowling exceptionally well in death overs.
“It was important to take early wickets with the ball against KKR. A little bit of dew came in which was helpful for us. The death bowling was great too. Rahul Tripathi was amazing and so was Aiden Markram, although in different roles. Marco, with his bounce and pace, was a big part of our attack with Bhuvneshwar, who swings the ball,” he said.
“It is just about getting the fields right for Malik. He touches 150 kms on every ball and has been nicked off for fours. But he has been patient. There are many little things we can work on, and the guys are working on them. We’re seeing the improvement,” he concluded.
