Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener David Warner has been in scintillating form in the season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has come out of the suspension and has come out in style. Moreover, Warner’s form will be crucial for Australia going in the ICC World Cup 2019.
Cricket Australia levied a one-year ban n David Warner along with Steven Smith for the role in the ball-tampering scandal last year in South Africa. While many thought that the suspension will take a toll on his game, Warner has come out all guns blazing. He is currently the highest scorer of the ongoing IPL with 611 runs from 11 matches at an average of over 65. His partnership with Jonny Bairstow at the top for Sunrisers Hyderabad has been a nightmare for all other teams.
In the game against Rajasthan Royals, David Warner achieved a unique record during his 37 runs knock. He became the second batsmen in the IPL to score 600+ runs in three seasons after Kings XI Punjab opener Chris Gayle. Warner achieved the landmark with a double off Shreyas Gopal in the 10th over. The Australian cricketer who had 641 runs in 2017 and 841 in 2016 — did not participate in 2018 because of the ball-tampering ban — has been in scintillating form with the bat in this edition, scoring seven fifties and a century.
Hyderabad lose the plot
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s chances in the ongoing IPL are sinking with every passing game. Rajasthan Royals defeated them by seven wickets to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. Batting first, Hyderabad could only manage to post 160 runs despite a strong start by David Warner and Manish Pandey. The middle-order once again crumbled in the middle overs before Rashid Khan’s 8-ball 17 helped them post 150+ score.
It was Rajasthan’s game right from the start of the chase. Liam Livingstone, who is playing his second game, proved he is so highly-rated in this format. His little cameo set the tone for the run chase before Sanju Samson helped the host overhaul the target with ease to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
