Published: May 13, 2017, 09:40 PM (IST)
Edited: May 13, 2017, 09:41 PM (IST)
Defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) became the second side to seal a playoff berth in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 edition after scripting an easy 8-wicket win over Gujarat Lions (GL). Playing in their last game in IPL and already out of tournament, GL were eager to play spoilsport for SRH on Saturday. They began well before falling apart to Mohammad Siraj’s variations and pace. With 17 points in 14 games, SRH are currently in the second spot and will be awaiting other results to feature in Qualifier 1; wherein a team gets two chances of reaching the final if they falter at the first step. Full Cricket Scorecard: Gujarat Lions vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2017, Match 53
Opting to bowl, SRH were falling apart with GL’s openers Ishan Kishan-Dwayne Smith adding 111 runs for the opening stand. However, Siraj and Rashid Khan led to their side’s comeback as GL lost 9 wickets for 43 runs. In reply, David Warner led from the front and laid the foundation with an unbeaten 52-ball 69. Warner was a relieved man in the post-match conference as his team would have been in a spot of bother had they lost this game.
SRH also remained unbeaten versus GL in IPL. With 5 back-to-back victories, SRH ended GL’s campaign with the latter reeling at the seventh spot with 8 points. Their contract in IPL ends with this edition and will be disappointed with their performances. On the other hand, two of the four spots of the knockouts have been booked by former champions. MI became the first side and SRH have followed suit on the back of all-round performances. Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are also fighting for the remaining slots with one game remaining for all three.
