Sunrisers Hyderabad rattled Punjab Kings by 9 wickets to record their first victory of this season at the M A Chidambaram stadium Chepauk on Wednesday. SRH, after being off to a horrible start this year, finally tasted success when they hammered the PBKS in a dominating fashion after suffering three consecutive defeats in their first three games.
Choosing to bat first at the Chepauk track, the Kings endured another batting collapse as they were bundled up to a measly total of 120 in 19.4 overs. Skipper K L Rahul fell prey to Bhuvneshwar Kumar cheaply on 4 in the start of fourth over. His opening partner Mayank Agarwal scored 22 of 25 before getting dismissed to Rashid Khan. Chris Gayle (15 off 7), Nicholas Pooran 0, Deepak Hooda (13 off 11), Moises Henriques (14 off 17) all failed to fuel the Kings' total score as the side was restricted to a below par 120.
SRH bowlers had a memorable outing as Khaleel Ahmed wrecked the Kings batting line up with his economical spell of 3/21 including the wickets of Mayank Agarwal, Shahrukh Khan and Fabian Allen (6). Abhishek Sharam also had an impressive run with figures of 2/24 including wickets of Hooda and Henriques.
The David Warner led side, seeking for the first win of the season walked onto the field with a star studded line up which also featured the much awaited season debut of Kane Williamson.
Chasing a low target, SRH openers Warner and Jonny Bairstow took the Orange Army to a brilliant start as the Duo put up a 73 run partnership for the first wicket before the Skipper fell prey to PBKS bowler Fabian Allen. Warner scored a steady 37 off 37 packed with 3 fours and a six. Bairstow hit a stunning 63 off 56 featuring 3 fours and 3 sixes. Williamson, walking out to bat at number 3 after Warner's dismissal contributed 16 off 19 balls.
