David Warner was an elated captain as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) registered their first victory in this year’s IPL by defeating Delhi Capitals (DC) with a 15-run margin at Abu Dhabi on Tuesday (September 29).
Bolstered by the inclusion of Kane Williamson, SRH posted 162/4 in 20 overs with Kiwi skipper smashing 41 off 26 deliveries. Opening the innings, Jonny Bairstow (53 off 48 balls) and Warner (45 off 33 balls) also played brilliant knocks to set the tone.
Later, Rashid Khan (3-14) wreaked havoc on Delhi’s batting line-up as Sunrisers restricted the Shreyas Iyer-led side to 147/7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-25) and T Natarajan (1-25) also bowled brilliantly.
Addressing the virtual post-match press conference, Warner said he is focussed on adding depth and power to his team's fragile middle-order in the upcoming games.
"We were on track to get 170-180, there is talk of our middle order not being that good, but we put our game together against Delhi and we backed ourselves, we played fluently and we got ourselves a good total," Warner said at the virtual post-match press conference.
In order to solidify the batting, Williamson was included in the playing XI at the expense of Mohammad Nabi, but SRH skipper assured the Afghanistan all-rounder that he would again get his chances.
"It was a big call but, at the end of the day, if we get our top four batting right and back our bowlers, we will come good. For us, it is important to establish in the middle. Moving forward, Nabi will come in as well," he remarked.
Warner had special praise reserved for Rashid, who earned the Player-of-the-Match award.
"Rashid knows what he has to do, the way he delivered for us against Delhi was great. He knows what to do, he bowled stump to stump, he knew he had a big role against Delhi with young Abhishek (Sharma) at the other end.
"Abhishek bowled his four overs and he was just hit during his last over, an extra bit of pressure was added on Rashid and he was outstanding," the southpaw said.
The match also saw Jammu and Kashmir's Abdul Samad making his IPL debut and Warner said he will look to encourage youngsters in the team.
Samad scored 12 not out off 7 balls with one four and a six during his brief stay at the crease.
"It is great to give these young guys an opportunity because where else to show your talent when you can do it against the world's best. You need to have that belief that you can do well.
"We needed someone at the back end. We brought him in because we knew he bowls leg-spinners as well. We knew what he was capable of. He is a good power-hitter. I have seen him hit long balls and I was very impressed.
"The great thing about youth is enthusiasm and passion. They want to learn, they are really picking our brains and trying to get the upper edge. We want to play with freedom. Let them play calm and clear," Warner said.
