IPL 2021: PBKS vs SRH Review – Khaleel, Bairstow star as SRH register maiden win

It took Sunrisers Hyderabad three losses to crack the formula of winning a match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. On Wednesday, the David Warner-led franchise beat Punjab Kings by nine wickets to get their first two points in IPL 2021. It was a collective bowling effort along with some sincere batting from Jonny Bairstow which ensured Hyderabad sailed through without a hiccup this time.

Earlier, KL Rahul won the toss and elected to bat first. The Punjab captain fell in the third over to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and from there on, Punjab didn’t really get going. They failed to adapt to the conditions and their batting display was quite disappointing.

Mayank Agarwal and Shahrukh Khan jointly scored the highest knock in the innings – 22. Punjab were bundled out for 120 all-out inside 20 overs courtesy some exceptional bowling from Hyderabad. Khaleel Ahmed picked up three wickets, while Abhishek Sharma got two scalps. Rashid Khan, Sidharth Kaul and Bhuvneshwar all chipped in with a wicket each.

A smooth chase for Warner & co

After failing to chase totals in their first three matches, Hyderabad finally got over the line this time around. Bairstow and Warner shared a brilliant 73-run opening stand which helped Hyderabad stay solid in the chase. Fabian Allen dismissed Warner for 37 runs but that was the only Hyderabad wicket to fall. SRH chased down the target comfortably with Kane Williamson getting an unbeaten 16. Bairstow, on the other hand, made an outstanding 63 as the chase finished in the 19th over.

Top performers

Khaleel Ahmed: The left-arm pacer was brought into the line-up in last game in place of T Natarajan, who was rested. In his absence, Khaleel bowled a good spell in the last match and backed it up with another brilliant performance. He took the key wickets of Allen, Shahrukh and Mayank.

Jonny Bairstow: In all their last three matches, Hyderabad needed someone to do what Bairstow did today. In Chennai, the formula was to get in early, get set quickly and then continue for as long as possible. For Bairstow, the script was exactly that against Punjab. He made 63 off 56 balls, making sure that Hyderabad’s chase didn’t have any mishaps this time around.

Personal records/Achievements

• KL Rahul became second-fastest to reach 5000 T20 runs in terms of no. of innings
• This was the first win for SRH at Chepauk after 6 consecutive losses

Way ahead

Punjab’s next match is against Mumbai in Chennai on April 23. Hyderabad will play in Chennai against Delhi Capitals on April 25.