Pune end losing streak against Hyderabad
hyderabad — Rising Pune Supergiants ended their four-match losing streak in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a 34-run win via D/L method over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Tuesday night.
The foundation of the big win for Pune in the rain-marred contest was set up by medium pacers Ashok Dinda (3/23) and Mitchell Marsh (2/14) as Sunrisers Hyderabad were restricted to 118/8 in 20 overs.
In a match marred by delayed start, half of the Hyderabad team was back in the dug-out by the ninth over with only 32 runs on the board. But a 47-run stand between Shikhar Dhawan (56 not out) and Naman Ojha (18) came to Hyderabad’s rescue as it ensured that the team crossed the 100-run mark.
Dhawan was the only bright spot for Hyderbad as the left-hander scored his second consecutive fifty. With the help of two fours and a six, he made 56 off 53 deliveries.
At the fag end, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s brisk cameo of eight-ball 21 lifted them to 118 for 8.
In reply, Steve Smith (46 not out) and Faf du Plessis (30 off 21 deliveries) put Pune in a strong position to overhaul the target. Pune lost Ajnikya Rahane (0) early — dismissed by Bhuvneshwar. But South African du Plessis and Australian Smith forged an 80-run stand for the second wicket to put the chase in commanding position. They were cruising at 94 for 3 in 11 overs when rain halted play, forcing the umpires to decide the match Duckworth/Lewis method through which Pune were declared triumphant by 34 runs.
This was Pune’s second win — having won the opening match, while Hyderabad suffered a loss after hat-trick of wins and overall, third defeat in six outings. Earlier, put into bat Hyderabad batsmen were undone by reckless batting and poor shot selection.
> Brief scores:
Hyderabad: 118/8 (Shikhar Dhawan not out 56; Ashok Dinda 3/23, Mitchell Marsh 2/14). Pune: 94/3 in 11 overs (Steve Smith 46 not out; Bhuvneshawar Kumar 1/17). Pune won by 34 runs via D/L method.