An unbeaten 63 by opener Jonny Bairstow and a clinical bowling performance by the bowlers saw Sunrisers Hyderabad win their first match in IPL 2021. The 2016 champions registered a 9-wicket win over Punjab. 

Chasing 121, David Warner and Bairstow stitched a 73-run opening stand before the former was dismissed by Fabian Allen. Williamson (16) joined Bairstow in the pursuit as the duo reached the target with 10 balls to spare. The Punjab Kings bowlers were under pressure from the start as Bairstow and Warner scored 50 runs in the powerplay. Bairstow converted a brisk start into a 48-ball half-century, claiming the man of the match award.

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In the first innings, Punjab’s reinforced batting line-up couldn’t cope up with Hyderabad’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. KL Rahul and company folded for 120 runs in 19.4 overs. It was Khaleel Ahmed who picked three wickets, the highest amongst the Hyderabad bowlers. 

Talking about the loss, KL Rahul said that the team fell 10 to 15 runs short. Playing their first game of the 2021 season at Chennai, Rahul added that the team tried to adapt to the conditions as quickly as possible.

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“We knew they were going to come hard. It’s tricky to have attacking fields. Was waiting for one of them to get out and then put pressure. Wanted to take the game as deep as possible. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get wickets in the middle and that cost us. Every game is important for us and we’ve been in that position. It’s not a bad position to be in. Hopefully, learn from our mistakes and keep getting better,” Rahul said.