JOIN USA clinical performance by the Sunrisers Hyderabad top-order ensured a seven- wicket victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore which kept them in the hunt for the Play-offs in the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League here today.
Chasing a target of 161 riding on Virat Kohli's (67) first half-century of the tournament, Sunrisers knocked off the runs in 19.4 overs as Shikhar Dhawan returned to form with a stroke-filled 50.
While Shikhar started the chase in right earnest, David Warner, back in the opening slot, smashed his way to 46-ball-59.
It was skipper Darren Sammy, who smashed a six off the penultimate over by erratic Varun Aaron to decisively turn the game.
Both Sunrisers and RCB have 10 points from 12 games each but Virat Kohli's men are a place ahead at fifth with a better net run-rate.
During the chase, it was Dhawan's 39-ball innings had seven fours and a six, Warner hit three fours and four huge sixes. The opening duo sealed the match with an even-100 stand in 12.3 overs.
It was Dhawan, who attacked from the onset with some flowing cover drives and a hooked six off Aaron.
The 50 came in the last over of the Powerplay as Warner took off after that.
Out of his sixes, the first was a charge to Muttiah Muralitharan followed by a couple of clean hits off the half-trackers that Yuzvendra Chahal had on offer.
The fourth six off Abu Nechim Ahmed was over long-off.
Warner was out off a full-toss from Aaron but Naman Ojha (24, 2x6), along with Aaron Finch (11 no) and Sammy (10 no) saw to it that there were no hiccups in the end.
KHS 05201925