IPL 2018: Kane Williamson wants to build on SRH's winning momentum

SRH won the match by 9 wickets.

The duo added a 121 unbeaten run stand to take SRH to a win. (IANS)

Sunrisers Hyderabad led by  Kane Williamson this season started their campaign with a comfortable 9 wicket win against Rajasthan Royals on Monday. Williamson (36*) and Shikhar Dhawan (77*) added a  121 run stand to take their team to victory. 

Getting their campaign started with a win, Williamson now aims to build on the momentum. In his post-match interview, Williamson spoke in length about the positives from the contest and his aim going forward in the league. Kane Williamson was effusive in his praise for the bowlers.

“Both spinners bowled beautifully well. Both of them are very experienced, certainly in this format. It was nice that they were able to be very aggressive for us today with the ball and pick up wickets, which was very helpful for us in restricting Rajasthan to the score that they made,” he said. “Billy Stanlake is a point of difference in our side. He is very aggressive option, bowls very quickly and a very tall guy. So, he balances the attack nicely.”

He also spoke of Siddharth Kaul's impressive spell. “Last year he certainly burst on to the scene. He was really looking forward to getting the opportunity, and it was a long time coming,” he added. “He was an outstanding performer for Sunrisers Hyderabad last year. Very consistent, very good death bowler. Nice and clear with how he operates. Today was an extension of that.”

Willaimson spoke about his winning start as captain and was happy to fill in the boots of Warner. “It was a great opportunity. Feel fortunate to be able to do it. Obviously, Davey is a huge part of this team. Fantastic performer led the team superbly well. There are some changes this year, but it was nice to come out and play really well as a team. It was important we look to improve and build on this performance for the next game,” Williamson added. “I don’t think anyone can replace Davey. He is world class. His performance in the last couple of years have probably been some of the best in the competition. It is a big loss for us, with that partnership at the top of the order (with Dhawan).”

He concluded keeping a word on Dhawan's unbeaten innings and was happy that he started off well in the campaign. “T20 cricket, I suppose, requires aggressive cricket, and Shikhar has been in a good space for quite some time. He had a really good last year, but the intent he showed today and what he has done for India is superb,” he said. “It was just an outstanding performance from him to keep the pressure on Rajasthan attack and hit the shots so cleanly. It was nice to watch. Hopefully, he can continue throughout out the tournament" concluded the SRH skipper. 

 
 

By Anshuman Roy - 10 Apr, 2018

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