IPL 9, Match 34: SRH v DD - 5 Talking Points

Gujarat Lions suffered their third consecutive loss today after Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated them by 5 wickets in a closely-fought low scoring game at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. The pitch played a huge role in the match. The sluggish nature meant that the bowlers from both the sides took great advantage and had an upper hand over the batsmen. Batting first, The Gujarat Lions side managed126/6 after 20 overs with the help of Aaron Finch’s (51 from 42 balls) anchor innings. In reply, the SRH side also did not have a smooth ride as the Lions seamers reaped the benefits of the wicket to keep the match tight. But, opener Shikhar Dhawan played a slow, sensible 40 balls 47 runs knock to help the home chase down the target with 5 wickets in hand.

1. Gujarat Lions look irresolute:

The explosive Gujarat Lions line-up was detonated completely by the skilful Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers. The pitch, which looked very uncertain today to bat freely, also played its part. The impact of the SRH bowler can be understood by the fact that the dangerous Dwayne Smith- Brendon McCullum played out the fist two over by Bhuvi and Nehra for maidens. Wickets also kept falling regularly. The GL innings could never take off as they managed just 126/6 at the end of the 20 overs.

2. Aaron Finch anchors the GL:

Aaron Finch was demoted to the middle order today in the presence of other openers Dwayne Bravo and Brendon McCullum. But, this move turned out to very beneficial for the Lions today as the brawny Aussies hot a strokeful half-century and played the role of the anchor for the crumbling Lions side. He came out in the 9th over when his team was already reeling at 3 down for 25. On a tough pitch, the right-hander showed his patient side and batted sensibly to hit an unbeaten 42 balls 51 run knock.

3. Dwayne Bravo & Co hold it tight:

The pitch played a huge role in today’s match. Bravo in the mid-match interview also spoke about the uncertain behavior of the pitch. Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers did a wonderful job to restrict the GL side for a under-par score. But, the GL bowlers took the responsibility and bowled in exceptionally to keep the match tight. Not at any stage did the chasing team looked in total control of the game. The SRH side also kept losing wickets at regular intervals and looked very sluggish. Dhawal Kulkarni and Praveen Kumar took full benefit of the track. Dwayne Bravo also chipped in with important wickets during the important the middle overs to keep the home side in the contest.

4. Shikhar Dhawan clings on:

After the Gujarat Lions slugged out in the middle, it was the home team’s turn to grind it out at the crease. With just 127 runs to win, the target looked very easy. But, the nature of the track and the skillful bowling by the Lions bowlers led by their seamers ensured that Sunrisers Hyderabad doesn’t have an easy time chasing. Warner, Williamson, Henriques and Yuvraj Singh all departed for cheap scores. The Lions bowlers bowled miserly and held a tight a grip over the match. However, Shikhar Dhawan fought it out brilliantly and played a match-winning knock of 47 from 40 balls to help his team sail past the victory line pretty easily eventually.

4. A gleeful day for the bowlers:

Today’s pitch was a heaven for the bowlers, especially the quicks. They got support in the air as well as off the pitch. Lions’ Dwayne Bravo described the pitch as two paced. All these factors made today’s match a closely fought low-scoring match. In the first innings, Bhuvneshwar (2/28) and Nehra (0/23) found early swing with the new ball and completely owned the opposition top order. Moises Henriques (1/24) and Mustafizur Rahman (2/17) then puzzled the batsmen with their slower ones and cutters. Similarly, in the 2nd innings, Praveen Kumar (1/28) and Dhawan Kulkarni (2/17) benefitted from the nature of the wicket. Dwayne Bravo (2/14) also created an impact with the ball.

Also, Read – Twitter Reactions: Gujarat Lions lose their 3rd game in a row