END OF OVER:20 | 15 Runs | SRH: 201/3 | RR: 10.05
- Heinrich Klaasen42 (19b)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy76 (42b)
- Sandeep Sharma4-0-31-1
- Trent Boult4-0-33-0
9:12pm The fifth time SRH have gone past 200 this season, and just the second time RR have shipped more than 200. For a long time, though, that did not seem possible. SRH, in uncharacteristic fashion, scrapped their way to 37-2 in the powerplay. Once Chahal came into the attack, though, SRH grew into the innings. Head first took him down, before Nitish got in on the act.
Nitish then produced a mind-boggling display of stroke-play. Some of the sixes he hit straight down the ground and over cover were a sight to behold. He also showcased maturity, knowing when to go for the big shots and when to take a slight backward step. Klaasen then did what he does at the end, and SRH, given where they were after the powerplay, will be pleased with their score.
As for RR, they will feel they conceded a few too many, given the ball was holding in the surface. Chahal, just a couple of days after being named in India's T20 World Cup squad, went the distance. Ashwin was tidy in his first spell but could not stop the flow of runs later in the innings. Sandeep and Boult held their own throughout, while Avesh was also tough to get away, nailing those wide yorkers with impressive regularity.
The game seems finely balanced. If dew becomes a factor, RR might even become slight favourites, because of their batting power. However, at this stage, it is anyone's game. Join us in a bit for the second innings!
Nitish Kumar Reddy: I was backing myself from the first ball. even when I was 11 off 11, I was backing myself. I carried the game after that and then Klaasen. (On his plan) Don't look at the bowlers and only look at the ball that is coming down - that is what has worked. I did pretty well (according to the plan) and you saw how it played - it went well. (Batting with Head and Klaasen) Batting with Travis, it is a left-right combination and you know how difficult it is. I got a few loose balls because of Travis. Klaasen capitalised with good strikes (at the end). I know I am the quickest so just wanted to make sure we got twos. (On the pitch) The wicket is playing good for the spinners and for the pacers who are bowling slower balls. That is something we can try and maybe it will work for us.
SRH one run away from 200