In a one-sided mauling at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad displayed their might against the Rajasthan Royals who are returning to the IPL after a two-year ban. Against one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament, Rajasthan Royals could muster up only 125/9 in the first innings. The disciplined bowling effort was backed up by some spectacular batting from Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson.

The turning point of the match was a key moment in the first over of the second innings of the match. Sunrisers Hyderabad started the chase of 126 runs with Shikhar Dhawan and Wriddhiman Saha. Shikhar Dhawan was the key wicket, his form in the white-ball cricket has been nothing but wonderful. He has smacked the bowlers all over the place and looked well set tonight to repeat the treatment.

It all happened then. The pitch had provided quite an assistance to the pace bowlers with true bounce. Rajasthan’s pace bowler Dhawal Kulkarni stormed in a bid to make the most of the track. Still not set, Dhawan poked at an outside off-stump delivery and edged it straight into the waiting hands of Ajinkya Rahane at the first slip.

Ajinkya has been the best first slip fielder for India for quite a while. He has taken some spectacular catches batting at that position. But today was not his night. He spilled out a simple chance and handed another go to Shikhar Dhawan.

Batsman like Dhawan does not waste opportunities like this. He relentlessly attacked the Royals bowlers and scored unbeaten 77 runs from 57 balls with 13 boundaries and a single six. The chase of 126 was completed with more four overs in hand. Sunrisers cruised to a simple win.