Kane Williamson
Photo Credit: BCCI

Kane Williamson-led Sunrisers Hyderabad’s fine start to the season is fading away fast after they suffered their second consecutive defeat. The Hyderabad-based outfit started the season with three consecutive wins.

However, they failed to replicate those performances in the last two outings. Their winning run was snapped by Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Mohali.

On Sunday, they suffered a narrow four-run loss at the hands of Chennai Super Kings. But while two defeats on trot must ring an alarm bell, skipper Williamson was quick to find out positives from the defeat.

Well, speaking after the game, he focused on his team’s fine start with the ball. Williamson’s decision to bowl first looked a good one when both Super Kings’ openers departed with just 32 runs on the board.

IPL 2018: Kane Williamson Focuses on Positives After a Narrow Loss To CSK
Credits: BCCI

Shane Watson, who had scored a century in his last innings, was the first to depart after scoring nine. Faf du Plessis soon followed his opening partner.

However, the hosts could not capitalise on the fine start. Ambati Rayudu and Suresh Raina shared a 112-run stand to help their team to recover. Super Kings went on to post a challenging total of 182 for three in the allotted 20 overs.

“I think both innings for us were innings of two halves, we certainly started off very well with the ball. The new ball on that surface was very tough, and as the ball got older I think it became a little bit more even,” he said.

“I think the way Chennai soaked up the pressure, kept wickets in hand and then applied in the back half… a lot of credit to the way they got a very good total on the board. We wanted to get off a good start — you always do — it wasn’t to be today but it was nice to be able to put together some partnerships and it is just a shame that we could not get across the line. A lot of positives to move forward with, and some areas to touch on as well going into our next game,” he added.

In reply, the Williamson-led side posted 178 for six. They were off to a disastrous start, finding themselves reeling at 22 for three. Williamson scored 84 to keep his team in the hunt but could not take it over the line, in the thrilling contest.

IPL 2018: Kane Williamson Focuses on Positives After a Narrow Loss To CSK
Credits: BCCI

The Sunrisers skipper further praised Rayudu for his 79-run knock. The knock came off only 37 deliveries, helping Super Kings to push the hosts on the backfoot.

“He played very well, to get off to a strike rate of 200 up there was outstanding and (it) put the pressure back on us. (He) certainly played a match-winning knock. You do have to take your hats off to the way Rayudu played, and at the same time it was not our best start but it was nice to put together middle to lower order partnerships and one hit away,” Williamson said.

IPL 2018: Kane Williamson Focuses on Positives After a Narrow Loss To CSK
Credits: BCCI

Kane Williamson concluded by saying that adapting to different wickets quickly will be key for his bowlers going forward.

“I suppose it is trying to be smart and adjust to the surface. Every game we have played on had very different surfaces that have required slightly different skill sets. I think if we are being honest with ourselves as a side we would want to improve in adapting just a little bit quicker,” he said.

“If we do that, and we have seen in T20 cricket the margins are very small. If you get the hop on the opposition with adapting to those conditions then it can go a long way. These are things you reflect on and lot of positives today but also other things that we want to touch on,” Williamson concluded.

Sunrisers will next take on defending champions Mumbai Indians on Tuesday (April 24).

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