Hyderabad: A 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.
