IPL 2018, Match 42, DD v SRH: Hyderabad Continue Winning Streak Despite Special Knock from Pant

It was a quite comprehensive performance by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, as they defeated Delhi Daredevils by nine wickets and with seven deliveries to spare.

Despite an extraordinary knock from Rishabh Pant, Hyderabad managed to outclass Delhi. The visitors chased down the target of 187 runs in the penultimate over, courtesy brilliant knocks from Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson. However, from the Daredevils it was only Pant who toyed with the star-studded bowling line-up.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was at the receiving end of the Pant blitz. The southpaw was in a carnage mood and smashed the world-class bowler for 26 runs in the final over. It was simply a treat to watch. The Delhi bowlers weren’t able to control of stem of run flow. Dhawan was at his ominous best, as he remained unbeaten on 92 off just 50 deliveries.

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Delhi began in a quite a shaky fashion after losing the wicket of Prithvi Shaw and Jason Roy quite cheaply. Roy was making a comeback in the playing XI. However, he wasn’t to utilize his opportunity and was dismissed by Shakib Al Hasan for only 11 runs. On the other hand, the young sensation Prithvi Shaw was also dismissed pretty cheaply by the same left-arm spinner.

Harshal Patel also played well for a composed 24. He was promoted up the order and perfectly played second fiddle to Pant. The southpaw was at his exceptional, as he smashed the Hyderabad bowler all around the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. The innings will rank as one of the greatest ever played in the competition.

It was a special sight to see the youngster smash world-class international bowlers with disdain. It was through the line hitting which isn’t quite suggested by the coaches. However, he connected just one after the other, as he toyed with a world-class bowling line-up. Daredevils eventually posted 187 in their allotted 20 overs which were surely above par considering the conditions.

Alex Hales struck some terrific shots, to begin with. However, Harshal brought about his downfall pretty early. However, that was the only wicket which Delhi took throughout the day. From there on, it was sensational knocks from Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Kane Williamson which ensured Hyderabad reached the target of 187 runs in the penultimate over.

Dhawan was at his ominous best. He struck all the Delhi bowlers with disdain and made the target look pretty easy. They were never in any discomfort as the duo continued to build on the partnership. The 176 runs partnership became the highest partnership for any wicket in this tournament so far. It was simply an astounding performance by Hyderabad as they reached home in a canter with seven deliveries to spare.

While Dhawan remained unbeaten on 92 off just 50 deliveries which included nine fours and four sixes, Williamson, on the other hand, was also not out on 83 off 53 deliveries which included eight fours and a couple of sixes.

Courtesy their victory, Hyderabad goes to the top of the points table with nine wins from 11 matches.

Brief Scores

Delhi Daredevils 187/5 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 128*, Shakib AL Hasan 2/27)

Sunrisers Hyderabad 191/1 in 18.5 overs (Shikhar Dhawan 92*, Kane Williamson 82*, Harshal Patel 1/32)

Sunrisers Hyderabad won by nine wickets (with seven deliveries to spare)