Sunrisers Hyderabad have something to cheer for after winning a low-scoring thriller against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Jason Holder and Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought their experience and bowled the last two overs splendidly well.

In front of AB de Villiers, Holder gave away five while Kumar conceded eight runs. RCB managed to score 137/6 while chasing 142-run target.

“If I say there were no nerves, I would be lying. For AB – I was just trying to be full, and nothing else. We were thinking 10-15 runs short but the way everyone bowled was tremendous,” Bhuvi said.

Glenn Maxwell, who had three consecutive fifties on the back, looked set to take RCB home as he smashed 25-ball 40 but his run-out in the 15th over by SRH’s captain Kane Williamson took RCB to a shell.

Roy, Williamson anchor SRH batting

On a tough Abu Dhabi wicket, Jason Roy and Kane Williamson showed their world-class abilities as their partnership was crucial in the context of the game.

The duo 70 runs for second-wicket off 58 balls.

It was the only notable stand for SRH with Roy scoring 44 off 38 balls while Williamson made 31 off 29.

Holder shines in both innings

Jason Holder’s contributions with both bat and ball were handy.

The West Indian all-rounder scored 16 off 13 while he bowled four overs, bagging a wicket for 27. 

His 19th over turned out to be a match-winning one as he kept De villiers quiet while dismissing Shahbaz Ahmed, who scored a vital 9-ball 14.

Williamson praised team for making small improvements as they had a tough season with only two wins.

The New Zealander was awarded player of the match for his knock and fielding as he grabbed two catches and ran out Maxwell.

“It’s been a tough season but it was great to see these small improvements, to turn up and show the fight when we’re not in contention, was great to see,” he said.

Match Preview: CSK v PBKS

Chennai Super Kings will have the opportunity to strengthen their spot in the top two for playoffs with a win against Punjab Kings in the 53rd match of Indian Premier League 2021 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Both teams come into this game on the back of defeats.

CSK’s consecutive loses have put their top-two chances at a slight risk as they stand on 18 points while Punjab have been knocked out of the competition and will look to play for some pride.

Best probable performers

Ruturaj Gaikwad

The CSK opener has been the star of this year’s IPL as he currently stands at second in the leading run-getters list, behind Punjab’s captain KL Rahul.

The opening batter has scored 521 runs in 13 matches, including one century and 3 half-centuries.

Mayank Agarwal

He is overshadowed by Rahul but he has shown some form during the UAE leg of the tournament.

He has scored two half-centuries in the last four encounters.

Ravindra Jadeja

CSK have been banking on Jadeja’s all-round abilities and he has been remarkably consistent.

In 13 matches, Jadeja has scalped 10 wickets at an economy of 6.75 and has also scored 212 runs at an average of 70.66.

Mohammad Shami

Right-arm pacer has been phenomenal in the second leg of IPL.

In the last 5 matches, he has already picked up 10 wickets, with the best figures of 3 for 21.

Match prediction

CSK has an aim of finishing in the top two which will allow them to have two chances for playing the final while Punjab has nothing to lose.

PBKS have been rather inconsistent throughout the tournament.

They have relied on their openers to give them a good start.

Chris Gayle is no more a part of their team and Nicholas Pooran’s form slump is hurting them too.

The clash is expected to be a cracker with MS Dhoni’s side more likely to win tomorrow.