David Warner and Jonny Bairstow have continued their red-hot IPL form with half-centuries to help their Sunrisers Hyderabad side beat Chennai Super Kings.
Warner, who is the tournament’s top scorer with 450 runs, belted 50 from just 25 balls, with opening partner Bairstow unbeaten on 61 as the Sunrisers won by six wickets with more than three overs to spare.
The Super Kings were without captain MS Dhoni because of back spasms and won the toss, electing to bat.
However, they were unable to dominate the home side attack with Shane Watson and Faf Du Plessis putting on 79 sluggish runs for the opening wicket in 9.5 overs.
The former Australian Test star was the first to depart for 31 when he was bowled by spinner Shahbaz Nadeem.
South African skipper Du Plessis followed soon after when he was caught behind by Bairstow off Vijay Shankar for 45.
Suresh Raina (13), Sam Billings (0) and Kedar Jadhav (1) were all out cheaply as the Super Kings could only muster an under-par total of 5-132.
Warner and Bairstow came charging out of the gates, with the former Australia vice-captain hitting ten boundaries before being pouched by Du Plessis off Deepak Chahar in the sixth over.
Bairstow continued the charge and despite losing Kane Williamson (3), Vijay Shankar (7) and Deepak Hooda (13), the Englishman got the home side home comfortably.
Warner was named man of the match and was praised by skipper Williamson, whose side move up to fifth spot on the table.
“He was brilliant – that’s the sort of stroke-making we’ve become used to,” the New Zealand captain said.
“It was match-winning knock, from both he and Jonny.”
© AAP
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