Dhawan guides Sunrisers to fourth win at home

Shikhar Dhawan guided Sunrisers Hyderabad to a seven-wicket victory against Mumbai Indians in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here Wednesday.

Dhawan was the hero of the match with his unbeaten 74, helping Sunrisers achieve the 130-run target in 18 overs.

It was the fourth consecutive win for Sunrisers on their home surface. They now have 12 points from 10 matches.

It was another impressive knock by Dhawan, who hit nine boundaries and a six in his 74 off 55 deliveries. The 27-year-old hit his second unbeaten half century in three matches he played in IPL-6.

The 74-run partnership for the third wicket between Dhawan and local boy Hanuma Vihari prevented the visitors from defending the low total on a slow-pitch.

Playing another valuable innings, Vihari scored 25 off 23 balls, including two hits to the fence.

Akshath Reddy (7 off 9 balls) departed early in the chase with Mitchel Johnson having him caught at covers by Smith. Skipper Sangakkara, who joined Dhawan, steadied the innings.

Under criticism for his poor form this season, the Sri Lankan played some confident shots, including two boundaries off Harbhajan Singh.

Dhawan, playing his first match at home ground, looked solid at the other end. For the second wicket they added 37 off 34 balls before Harbhajan sent Sangakkara (21 off 21) back with a return catch. From there on, the southpaw made the chase look easy.

Earlier, Mumbai managed 129 for four wickets in 20 overs on a slow pitch with Dwayne Smith being the highest scorer with 38 off 40 balls.

It was once again a good show by Hyderabad bowlers. They bowled with discipline and not allowed the powerful Mumbai batting a free run.

Ishant Sharma was impressive with figures of 4-1-15-2 while Amit Mishra, already one of the leading wicket takers in the tournament, claimed two for 34.

It was an unbeaten 50-run partnership (off 44 balls) for the fifth wicket between Ambati Rayudu and Kieron Pollard which saw MI posting a respectable total after they were reduced to 74 for three in 13th over.

Local boy Ambati Rayudu scored 34 off 27 balls, which included four boundaries. Pollard was unbeaten on 14 off 19 balls.