Hyderabad: Jonny Bairstow and David Warner struck whirlwind centuries as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) cantered to a 118-run victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) clash here on Sunday.
RCB skipper Virat Kohli’s decision to field first backfired as Sunrisers — sans regular captain Kane Williamson — were on fifth gear from ball one thanks to Bairstow (114) and Warner (100) as they recorded the highest IPL-opening wicket partnership of 185 runs.
Previously, Kolkata Knight Riders’ Gautam Gambhir and Chris Lynn held the record with a 184-run partnership against Gujarat Lions in 2017.
In reply to the SRH’s 231, the RCB gave a poor account of themselves, being bowled out for 113 in 19.5 overs, with the likes of Kohli (3) and AB De Villiers (1) failing to make a mark.
Colin de Grandhomme was their top-scorer with a 32-ball 37. For the hosts, Mohammed Nabi returned best figures of 4/11.
Coming back to Bairstow-Warner, this was also their third successive hundred-run stand this season, a first in IPL history.
Bairstow, notching up his maiden IPL ton, was the aggressor as he did not spare any of the visiting bowlers. Warner, for a change, played second fiddle to Bairstow.
