IPL: RCB edge past SRH in southern derby

Chasing a mammoth score of 228- runs, here on Tuesday, the script unfolded in a predictable manner for the Hyderabad side, as they lost the game by 45 runs.

SRH managed to put up 182 runs for the loss of six wickets.

Warner (58), the SRH captain, looked threatening and was the only silver lining in an otherwise miserable outing for the team, apart from Mustafizur Rahman, who once again proved his mettle in this format of the game.Barring these two, the others looked out of place, as they were sloppy in all departments.

Warner's innings comprised of five sixes and four fours.

Ashish Reddy's 32 off 18 balls propelled the Hyderabad side's score to a respectable position, saving them from further disgrace.  

For years now, Shikhar Dhawan has remained an enigma. His happy go lucky attitude can both fire and misfire, and given the current record of his form, he did not disappoint his detractors, as the former SRH skipper failed yet again, scoring just the 8 runs.

Given what Kohli and AB achieved during their innings, it was puzzling to understand the downfall of the Hyderabad batsmen.

The RCB skipper and his South African counterpart, played basic shots before the latter switched on his Mr 360 mode, hitting six sixes and seven fours.

AB scored 82 off just 42 balls as fans were treated to a AB special.

Kohli wasn't too far away as he himself pummeled the opposition bowlers, scoring 75 runs off 51 balls. His knock consisted of some trademark shots, the Kohli cover drive and the inside out boundary to be specific. The man has said in the past that he relies on timing and loves hitting fours rather than sixes as he can not clear the boundary like some of his team mates, but on the day Kohli smacked three sixes and seven fours before an impeccable yorker from Bhuvi plucked his stumps out.

A 157-run partnership was ended and shortly afterwards AB de Villliers too found himself in the dressing room, as he tried to slog Mustafizur Rahman for a six, only to scoop it high enough for Eoin Morgan to complete a good catch.

Mustafiz struck gold the next ball, removing Shane Watson, as the burly Aussie had looked solid by then, smashing a hat-trick of sixes to score 19 runs off just 9 balls.

Just when things were looking up for SRH, a brilliant batting display from Sarfaraz Khan upstaged all their plans. For the young lad, who had represented India in the U-19 world cup a few months back, went hammer and tongs at them.

Sarfaraz came hard at them, plundering 35 runs off a mere 10 balls as he struck five fours and two maximums.

All these had happened with Gayle adding a run on the scoreboard. The big Jamaican was bowled round his legs by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who picked up two wickets.

Watson and Chahal picked up two wickets each for their side, while Parvez Rasool and Adam Milne accounted for a scalp each.

AB de Villiers was adjudged the Player of the match.