IPL 2018, Match 28: Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Rajasthan Royals by 11 runs

Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers' impressive defense of modest totals continued as the visitors pulled off an 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals on a tricky pitch to claim the top spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Jaipur on Sunday.

Electing to bat, Hyderabad posted 151 for seven, built around captain Kane Williamson's 63-run knock, his fourth fifty of the season, and his 92-run partnership with Englishman Alex Hales (45) , playing his first game of this edition.

They set up the platform for a kill towards the end, but once they were dismissed, none of the following batsmen could make a substantial contribution. Home captain Ajinkya Rahane (65 not out, 53 balls) showed patience and Sanju Samson hit a 30-ball 40 but they left too much for the end. 

Hyderabad pace duo of Sandeep Sharma (1/15) and Siddarth Kaul (2/23) were very effective in drying up the runs. The hosts required 27 from the last two overs but Siddarth Kual conceded only six runs and also removed local boy Mahipal Lomror (11).

For the hosts, Jofra Archer (3/26) was once again impressive with his pace and consistent execution of yorkers, while spinner Krishnappa Gowtham provided vital breakthroughs, conceding only 18 runs in his four overs.