The batsman believes a slower approach worked for the franchise.
Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Shikhar Dhawan thinks it was the side’s patient approach in their 2013 IPL match against Mumbai Indians that was the key to victory.
Dhawan scored an unbeaten 73 as the Sunrisers chased down Mumbai’s modest total of 129-4 with relative ease and the Indian says he adapted his game for the slow pitch at Hyderabad.
“I knew the pitch was slow and we had to hold on to our wickets in the first six overs. Patience was going to be key and that was our plan,” the 24-year-old was quoted on NDTV Sports.
“Once we settled down, we got the boundaries that helped us win easily.”
The victory over Rohit Sharma’s side was the fourth time the Sunrisers had won at home this season – every time they have played in front of their own crowd.
Hyderabad’s home form has contributed to two-thirds of the franchise’s triumphs in 2013 and they will also play four of their last six matches on their own turf.
Therefore if Dhawan and the team can keep up this form they should be in the hunt for the play-offs come the end of the 16 league games.
The Indian batsman’s efforts ensured he scored his 15th half-century in the IPL as the young opener continues his great year.
Dhawan made his debut for the India Test team earlier in 2013 and his 187 against Australia was the fastest century on debut in cricket history.
His 73 not-out against Mumbai is also his best ever IPL score, bettering the 63 he hit against Chennai Super Kings earlier in the tournament.
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