New Delhi: Sunrisers Hyderabad once again proved their mettle in the Indian Premier League when they defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by 48 runs on Sunday night. David Warner, the big-hitting Australian left-hander, dismantled the opponents by hitting a stupendous ton.
Warner should be lauded for his consistency in the tenth edition of the tournament. At a time when some of the biggest names in world cricket are struggling to produce match-winning performances for their teams, Warner has led from the front.
Since the beginning of this IPL season, Warner has produced scores of 14, 76, 49, 26, 70, 4, 43, 51, 126. The team depends a lot on him at the top of the order and he hasn't let them down.
It was because of Warner's ton that SRH managed to reach a 209-run total post which they bundled KKR out for just 161.
Warner was delighted with the team's effort after the comprehensive win.
"It was outstanding, we generally look to bat first and set the tone with a positive intent from ball one. We managed to maintain the run rate of 10 an over, which was amazing," he said.
"We (him and Dhawan) keep working around the strike and we've been gelling together over all. Credit to out bowlers: to Siraj, the way he's been learning and performing; Bhuvi is amazing."
Hyderabad have now won six out of their ten matches this season while one was washed out due to rain.
While Shikhar Dhawan and Warner have been doing a good job at the top of the order, Kane Williamson's late inclusion in the squad has further strengthened their batting order. Till last year, they were considered to be a good bowling side. But Hyderabad stunned the cricket fraternity when they defeated the mighty Royal Challengers Bangalore to win their maiden IPL title.
If Warner can continue his run scoring spree at the top, there seems to be no reason why Hyderabad cannot win two IPL titles in a row.
