Rashid Khan put on a remarkable all-round show on Friday (May 25) night to secure Sunrisers Hyderabad’s place in the final of IPL 2018. Rashid played a stunning a cameo of 34* and claimed 3 for 19 in his 4 overs to help SRH register a resounding 14-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the second qualifier.
While chasing the target of 175, KKR were cruising at one stage before Rashid’s awe-inspiring spell changed the course of the match. The Afghan leggie got the prize scalp of Robin Uthappa, Chris Lynn, and Andre Russell in his 4 overs by conceding only 19 runs as SRH restricted KKR to 160/9 in 20 overs.
Earlier in the day, it was Rashid’s cameo that shifted the momentum towards Hyderabad. Khan had scored a blazing 34* off 10 balls (2 fours and 4 sixes) and amassed 36 runs in the last two overs along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar to help SRH post 174 on the board. Rashid was deservedly adjudged Man of the Match for his herculean showing with the bat and ball.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Rashid said: "It was much needed for me, just tried my best to give 100 per cent in bowling, batting and fielding. Full focus was to believe in my skills. Much happy with the batting today which was needed at the end."
"Started my career as a batsman, and I have the belief. Just try my best to look into the length and play according to the length. Focus was to play straight, that's what the coaches said. So where the slower ball or anything, played straight and got runs. Can't have excuses in fielding department. Just try to give my best. Working hard on that and it's good so far," he added.
Rashid concluded by dedicating his award to the Afghanistan blast victims. Just a week ago, multiple explosions had taken place during a cricket match in Jalalabad in which people were killed and dozens were left wounded.
"Want to dedicate my award to those people who lost their lives in a blast back home," Rashid signed-off.
In the ongoing Indian Premier League, Rashid has scalped 21 wickets in 16 matches at a phenomenal average and economy of 20.66 and 6.78 respectively. The 19-year-old has played an instrumental role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s dominance throughout the league stage. SRH finished the league stage as the No.1 team, having won 9 out of their 14 matches; whereas Rashid is currently placed at the second spot on the list of highest wicket-takers in IPL 2018.
Having secured the second qualifier, Sunrisers Hyderabad will now take on MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings in the summit clash on Sunday (May 27).
