Tata IPL 2022- Rajasthan Royals vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad

The Rajasthan Royals gave Sunrisers Hyderabad a humongous target of 211 runs to chase in only 120 balls. Although the lower order took the Sunrisers Hyderabad to a respectable total, it was the incompetency of the top order that cost Kane Williamson’s side the match. As they could score only 149 runs in 20 overs.

Rajasthan Royals vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad: Highlights

The playing 11 of the Rajasthan Royals included Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Yuzvendra Chahal, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (c) (wk).

Whereas Sunrisers Hyderabad decided to go with Aiden Markram, Abdul Samad, Washington Sundar, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Umran Malik, Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Kane Williamson (c), Nicholas Pooran (wk), in their first IPL 2022 match.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s captain Kane Williamson won the toss and decided to bowl first. The green and firm wicket of the MCA may have led Williamson to think of it as an opportunity for his bowlers as they proceeded to bowl.

The Rajasthan Royals’ top order showed great composure as Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal built a strong opening partnership of 58 runs. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal ended up getting caught by Aiden Markram on a ball bowled by Romario Shepherd at only 20 runs off of 16 balls.

Sanju Samson then entered the pitch and played a captain’s knock. He formed a great partnership with D. Padikkal as Jos Buttler was caught by Nicholas Pooran and was ruled Out by the umpire after a review by Williamson. Buttler scored 35 off 28 balls.

D. Padikkal was then bowled out by Umran Malik at 41 runs off 29 balls. Samson also followed suit early and was caught by Abdul Samad at 55 runs off 27 balls.

Shimron Hetmyer then gave the Rajasthan Royals the much-needed boost with a quick 32 off 13 balls. Riyan Parag also tried to contribute but could only score 12 off 9 balls. Nathan Coulter-Nile went not out for a single run.

Umran Malik and T. Natarajan took 2 wickets each, whereas Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Romario Shepherd settled with single wickets.

Sunrisers Hyderabad had a nightmare of a start as their captain wasn’t able to replicate his counterpart and was caught at only 2 runs by Devdutt Padikkal at 2 runs off 7 balls.

All hopes remained with Nicholas Pooran and Rahul Tripathi, however, the duo couldn’t even get off the mark and were ousted for ducks.

Opener Abhishek Sharma also quickly made his way back to the pavilion, scoring 9 runs off 19 balls.

Aiden Markram came as a glimmer of hope for Sunrisers Hyderabad, however, he couldn’t find a dancing partner as Abdul Samad was caught at only 4 runs. Romario Shepherd and later Washington Sundar tried to form a partnership with Markram, and were successful in contributing a little.

But, first Shepherd was bowled by Yuzvendra Chahal at 24 off 18 and then Washington Sundar was also caught by Shimron Hetmyer on a full length delivery by Trent Boult after his fireworks filled knock.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar came in to bat and left not out with a score of 3 runs off 4 balls. Sunrisers Hyderabad was unable to chase their target and could only score 149 runs at the end of the 20th over.

Trent Boult and Prasidh Krishna took 2 wickets each whereas Yuzvendra Chahal started his new franchise journey with a three-wicket start.

Sanju Samson was named the Man of the Match for his brilliant knock of 55 runs off 27 balls.

The captain later spoke about his side’s brilliant win in a humble manner and credited the whole team for the win.

Captain’s take on the match

Sanju Samson believed it was the correct team selection by veterans such as Sri-Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara that really helped them clinch the game. “I think it was a different wicket than what we thought. The wicket was helping the fast bowlers if you hit the typical Test match length. Happy to contribute to the team's victory. I worked on my fitness. I chose the right scoring opportunities and tried to spend time at the wicket. Leaders like Sangakkara help me a lot.”

“A lot of cricketing brains have gone in to pick the right side. This season we have come in with great dreams. Our owners take great care of us. Lot of good sides and we will take one game at a time.”

On the other hand, the Kiwi, Kane Williamson believed the Sunrisers Hyderabad started beautifully but couldn’t carry forward the momentum. Later, he also credited Rajasthan Royals for their performance.

“We started beautifully with the ball. We had our opportunities. In all the games so far, there has been some swing and assistance with the new ball. You want to make some inroads. We looked very likely but unfortunately, some fine margins in this game didn't go our way. It was a very good surface. Rajasthan played outstandingly well.”