Warner’s fiery ton takes wind out of Kolkata’s sails

Hyderabad, April 30

Swashbuckling opener David Warner smashed a whirlwind century to guide Sunrisers Hyderabad to a comfortable 48-run win over table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL encounter here today.

Warner butchered the KKR bowlers to score a 59-ball 126, studded with 10 fours and 8 sixes, and power defending champions Hyderabad to an imposing 209-3 after KKR captain Gautam Gambhir decided to bowl. Chasing the target, KKR were reduced to 12/2 in 2.3 overs with both their openers — Gambhir (11) and Sunil Narine (1) — sent back to the pavilion.

Robin Uthappa (53) and Manish Pandey (39) then shared a 78-run partnership off 51 balls for the third wicket to keep KKR in the hunt.

After their dismissal, Yusuf Pathan (12), Sheldon Jackson (16) and Colin de Grandhomme (18) tried their hands but it was not enough in the end as KKR were restricted to 161/7.

For Sunrisers, Mohammed Siraj (2/26), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Siddharth Kaul (2/26) took two wickets each, while Rashid Khan (1/38) also contributed with one wicket. There was also a rain-interruption of over 40 minutes when KKR were 52/2 in 7 overs.

Earlier, Warner and Shikhar Dhawan (29), who had forged a 107-run opening partnership in their last match, produced a scintillating 139-run opening stand in 76 balls to set up the foundation for a huge total.

Kane Williamson (40) blasted five fours in his 25-ball innings to take Sunrisers across the 200-mark. — PTI