Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Shikhar Dhawan made short work of the 126-run target as the hosts sailed to a nine-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in the Hyderabad on Monday.

Sunrisers bowlers were on top from the first over, with spinner Shakib Al Hasan and seamer Siddarth Kaul picking up two wickets each. Sanju Samson made 49 for Rajasthan without much help from others in the IPL clash.

The total of 125-9 was never going to be enough and Dhawan’s 77 not out sealed the deal.

Here we look at the left-handed batsman’s performance in Hyderabad.

STATISTICS

RUNS: 77*

BALLS FACED: 57

BOUNDARIES: 13

SIXES: 1

STRIKE RATE: 135

30-SECOND REPORT

Dhawan was dropped on zero by his India team-mate Ajinkya Rahane. Made the most of the opportunity by hitting 13 boundaries and one of only two sixes in the match. Did not let any bowler settle and took the lead role in the absence of franchise veteran David Warner. Was given perfect support by captain Kane Williamson who hit an unbeaten 36. Just the kind of performance to settle the nerves in the dressing room without a leading figure like Warner.

GOT RIGHT

Dhawan was the only batsman to maintain a strike rate of well over run a ball on a wicket that was not easy for batsmen. Royals top-scorer Sanju Samson got a few streaky boundaries away during his 42-ball 49. Dhawan’s positivity at the start of the chase, where he was striking at close to 150, ensured Sunrisers were well ahead of the game throughout.

GOT WRONG

Played two poor shots up front. In the first over, he got a regulation nick to Rahane at first slip which should have been taken. Then against left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawan was lucky to get an edge over the keeper for a boundary. His weakness against the rising delivery that moves away was apparent and international bowlers will take notes from that passage of play.

VERDICT: 7/10

The runs were thoroughly impressive and it was not Dhawan’s fault Rajasthan didn’t take their chance. Once he got his eye in, he was in full control. Perfect way to start the campaign for the opener and the franchise under new leadership.