IPL 2019, Match 48: SRH vs KXIP – Talking points from the mid-table clash

The mid-table clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab ended with SRH taking two points at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Inserted to bat first, the Orange Army posted a mammoth total of 212/6. In response, KXIP fell flat despite the efforts from their middle order. Punjab’s team conceded a 45-run defeat which harmed their chances of making it to the playoffs.

Warner ensures a happy farewell for himself

Coming back from the year ban, Australian opener David Warner proved why he is the best overseas batsman in the IPL. He has been a run-machine and has scored 500-plus runs consistently for the last five seasons. With the World Cup coming up, Warner had to leave the team yesterday and join his national colors. Before departing, the stocky batsman secured an important victory for the team.

Batting at the top, Warner began with his usual gusto. He notched up 81 from just 62 balls with seven fours and two sixes. His innings helped SRH post a tall score and seal the victory. The Australian completed this season with 682 runs at an average of 69.20 with one century and eight fifties.

Mujeeb’s expensive outing

Afghanistan’s mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rehman is known to be a threat with the ball. When he is not capturing wickets, the 18-year old keeps the run flow to a minimum. Yesterday, he was hammered by SRH batsmen. His four overs went for 10, 18, 12 and 26 runs, totaling 66 runs. His numbers remain the most expensive for a spinner in the IPL.

Attack or Anchor – KL Rahul’s dilemma

KL Rahul

Chasing a huge total of 213 runs, KXIP needed their openers to go all guns blazing. They lost their biggest hitter, Chris Gayle, in the third over and the mantle fell on KL Rahul to take the innings forward. Despite the mounting required run rate, the opener batted in his own flow. At the end of 13 overs, he was batting not out on 39 from 36 balls. His slow knock increased pressure on his partners, who had to attack before settling down. Rahul ultimately finished with 79 from 56 balls but his stay at the crease raised more problems for KXIP.

Rashid Khan storms back into wickets

Rashid Khan

The legspinner from Afghanistan has been a sensation in white-ball cricket. He has traveled to various parts of the world and has reaped success in every condition. In his second IPL season, he was expected to build on his success from the first edition but things took a different turn. Leading into the 12th match, he had not taken a single three-wicket haul. Yesterday, he sent back Mayank Agarwal, David Miller and Ravichandran Ashwin. Rashid finished with the spectacular bowling figures of 4-0-21-3.

All images courtesy: IPLT20