Bengaluru, May 30 (IANS) : For Sunrisers Hyderabad (SH), winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) title for the first time was like sun rising at midnight, as they beat three-time finalists Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by eight runs in an exciting contest at the Chinnaswamy stadium here on Sunday night.
Winning the toss and putting up a challenging target of 209 for Royals, Hyderabad bowlers showed their mettle by halting RCB's star-studded batting line up at 200 for 7 wickets in 20 overs, though they were plundered by RCB openers Chris Gayle and skipper Virat Kohli, who posted 114 in first 10 overs.
Powering into the IPL final for the third time after knocking two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the eliminator by 22 runs on May 25 and taming debutant Gujarat Lions in the second qualifier by four wickets on May 27 in New Delhi, Sunrisers had won the title on sheer self-belief, grit and determination.
"When Gayle was going great guns, we knew it was difficult to stop him. The hardest thing for us was to maintain composure and have belief in ourselves. We know once he was gone, it would be difficult for the second and the third batsmen to pick up the momentum," a beaming Sunrisers captain David Warner told reporters on early Monday with the golden Trophy glittering next to him.
Crediting his whole team for the dramatic win after a marathon run to the final, Warner said they would like to first enjoy the victory tonight (Sunday night) and thank everybody for supporting SH throughout.
Owned by Kalanithi Maran of the Chennai-based Sun television network, Sunrisers replaced Deccan Chargers, whose franchise was terminated by IPL in 2012.
Hailing Warner for leading a talented team to lift the trophy, Sunrisers' head coach Tom Moody said the Aussie southpaw had an enormous influence on the players, as he was a world class cricketer, hard working and very disciplined.
"I enjoy working with him. He has been phenomenal with his batting and an incredible captain, providing leadership and being one step ahead of others. David has been very supportive of his team and backed them fully to give their best," Moody said on the occasion.
Interestingly, Warner is the third Australian cricket player to lift the IPL trophy after Shane Warne did in the opening edition of the IPL in 2008 as captain of the
now suspended Rajasthan Royals and Adam Gilchrist as skipper of Deccan Chargers, who beat RCB in the second edition of the IPL at Johannesburg in South Africa in 2009.
RCB again lost to now suspended Chennai Super Kings in Chennai in 2011 final.
Comment on this article
Vincent Rodrigues, Frazer Town,B'lore
Tue, May 31 2016RCB did not play well but the Sunrises used their talents and limited resources efficiently well.Congratulations and all the best.
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Dany, Mangalore
Mon, May 30 2016Red (rcb) lost and saffron (srh) won. Bjp defeated communist.
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Dany, Mangalore
Mon, May 30 2016Great achievement, kudos to modi govt.
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Roshan Braganza, Mumbai
Mon, May 30 2016Not a fan of RCB or Virat kohli . Dhoni supercedes him in every on and off talent of cricket. Hyderabad franchise be it Deccan chargers or SRH is special because of their simplicity and pool of talent . Now old franchise owner Gayatri reddi is missing , the colors of SRH somewhat compensated for it . RCB had best batting line up but dodged by allround performance of SRH. Mustafur and Bhuvi line and lengths vindicated rcb batsman . As kohli is bowled and kicked out , this should rest in peace his attempts to replace Legendary Dhoni . Watson always had problems with spin and slow bowlings , today it showed up . And rahul is a pathetic wicket keeper and does not deserve a place in any team .
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Roshan Braganza, Mumbai
Mon, May 30 2016Not a fan of RCB or Virat kohli . Dhoni supercedes him in every on and off talent of cricket. Hyderabad franchise be it Deccan chargers or SRH is special because of their simplicity and pool of talent . Now old franchise owner Gayatri reddi is missing , the colors of SRH somewhat compensated for it . RCB had best batting line up but dodged by allround performance of SRH. Mustafur and Bhuvi line and lengths vindicated rcb batsman . As kohli is bowled and kicked out , this should rest in peace his attempts to replace Legendary Dhoni . Watson always had problems with spin and slow bowlings , today it showed up . And rahul is a pathetic wicket keeper and does not deserve a place in any team .
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Af,, MANGALORE
Mon, May 30 2016Kaige bandha thuttu bayege bandhilla.
kohli tried his best but luck also need.
Sarfraz was a better choice in this situation crecial match instead of baby,last over could have given to binney instead watson, he spoilled entire cooked food.
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Allan dcosta , Kinnigoly/Abu Dhabi
Mon, May 30 2016Well .....game is a game....but I was disappointed with Shane Watson. His last over went for nearly 20 runs and that made a difference. Also he was expected to do something with the bat. But nothing as well......
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Acchu, Mlore
Mon, May 30 201640 balls 60 odd runs with 8 wickets in hand.. This match was fixed.. We all fans disappointed with kind of cheatings.
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Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah
Mon, May 30 2016It is a Two Big Disappointment news (to me..)
1. Defeat in T/20 World Cup
2. Defeat of RCB in IPL
Despite having fought till last minute,My Hero KING KOHLI lost both Wars......
Note: Although I take IPL as entertainment program, I follow Kohli very seriously..He gives 100% performance..True Sportsman..
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Hussain, Abudhabi
Mon, May 30 2016Disappointing two days....First Real Madrid won the Champions league football and now SRH won the IPL !! Bad luck Athletico Madrid and RCB ...Always choke in finals
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Jagdish, Mumbai, UAE
Mon, May 30 2016HussainBhai... Take it in sporting spirit. One team should win whoever playes better than the opponent... Right
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stan, dubai
Mon, May 30 2016I enjoyed Shane watson's bowling. What a entertainment. 4 overs 60 runs. Bowling full toss.....???
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Prasanna, Mangalore
Mon, May 30 2016Yes. Last he is in Rajasthan Royals. In important match his performance very very poor
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Jossey Saldanha, NY
Mon, May 30 2016Mallya ka bad luck bhi kharab hai...
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Dev Kumar, Mangalore
Mon, May 30 2016Well done hyderabad boys. Big score.
Happy moments sharuk team not reached final. 15 crores gone to hyderabad.
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