Heinrich Klaassen (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Sunrisers Hyderabad returned to winning ways with a dominant 65-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders, largely thanks to the calm and experienced knocking of Heinrich Klaasen. While Blessing Muzarabani shines with four wickets for KKR, Klaasen’s steady 52 helps SRH post a strong 226/8 after being put into bat. In response, KKR never quite get going and are bowled out for 161 in just 16 overs, slipping to yet another defeat.
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SRH to build a big unit despite stumbling
SRH got off to a flying start as Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma put together a quick opening stand of 82 runs and attacked from the start. Just when it looks like a huge total, KKR fight back through Muzarabani who clears the key batsmen and slows things down briefly. At one stage, SRH are losing wickets quickly and the innings looks shaky.That’s when Klaasen steps in and calms things down. He plays smart cricket, spin batting and keeps the scoreboard ticking even when the boundaries dry up. Along with Nitish Kumar Reddy, he builds a crucial partnership that keeps SRH on track for a big total. The duo add vital runs in the middle overs, ensuring the early momentum is not wasted and helping SRH to a competitive score.
KKR collapse under pressure
Chasing 227, KKR start brightly with a quick 28 from Finn Allen, but things fall apart soon after his dismissal. The lack of coordination is evident as run outs and poor shot selection hurt them badly. Cameron Green is involved in the plot and gets out cheaply, and even Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who plays a superb 52, is out after another misunderstanding.The innings never recovers as wickets fall regularly. Rinku Singh tries to fight back with 35 but once he departs the chase is virtually over. The SRH bowlers, led by Jaydev Unadkat, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Eshan Malinga, hold firm and finish the job comfortably, nursing a comprehensive win.
