Sunrisers Hyderabad thrashed Mumbai Indians and at the same time ensured it was curtains for Kolkata Knight Riders.
David Warner and his men handed Mumbai a 10-wicket hammering at Sharjah Stadium on Tuesday in what was a must-win game for them. Courtesy this massive win, the Sunrisers finished the league phase at No. 3. They completed the playoffs line-up to set up a clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Eliminator.
The Sunrisers’ net run-rate was in any case superior to that of the Knight Riders, who also finished on 14 points. The victory with as many as 17 balls to spare in pursuit of a 150-run target helped the Sunrisers improve their net run-rate further while also confirming the end of the journey for Eoin Morgan and Co.
Everything fell into place for the Sunrisers, right from the toss. Captain Rohit Sharma was back for Mumbai Indians, but he could hardly make any difference with the bat.
Once again, Sandeep Sharma (3/34) and Jason Holder (2/25) were spot on with their line and length on a slow wicket, with the former accounting for both Rohit and Quinton de Kock inside the first five overs. Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem (2/19) played a vital role in the middle overs.
In his fifth game of the season, Nadeem first foxed the dangerous-looking Suryakumar Yadav (36) and then picked up Krunal Pandya, which severely dented Mumbai Indians’ progress.
With Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah rested, the task would certainly be a tad easier for the Sunrisers batsmen. Warner (85 not out) and Wriddhiman Saha (58 not out) dominated the proceedings.
The duo had no problems in tackling James Pattinson and Dhawal Kulkarni — replacements for Boult and Bumrah — and also rendered Mumbai’s spinners ineffective. Dew did make the going tougher for Mumbai bowlers, but it was also surprising not to see Rahul Chahar or Krunal bowl in the Powerplay overs.
With Saha looking more and more assured at the other end, Warner seems to be peaking at the right time.