IPL 2019: Four things we learned from KKR-SRH tie
The IPL 2019 is off to an interesting start. In match 2 of the tournament, it was Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which put up a splendid show to outsmart Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday. In what was a thrilling tie, we take a look at the four takeaways from the match.
There's no stopping David Warner
Australian opener David Warner does not seem to have lost the touch, even though he didn't play much cricket in last 12 months.. Starting right from where he left, Warner entertained the SRH fans with a commendable knock of 53-ball 85, which included nine fours and three sixes. Still too early, but Warner could be on the road to earning his World Cup ticket.
Vijay Shankar piling pressure on Hardik Pandya
Having made a name for himself in the just-concluded ODIs against Australia, courtesy his prolific batting, Vijay Shankar continued to prove himself in the IPL. He played a subtle knock of 40, including twin fours and sixes at a strike rate of 166.67 Consequently, Hardik Pandya will have an uphill task to prove himself when he plays for Mumbai Indians this IPL.
Nitish Rana- A future India prospect
While it seemed like a challenging total for KKR to chase, young opener Nitish did not panic and played a clam and composed knock of 68. His innings included eight boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 144.68. He was also involved in an 80-run stand with Robin Uthappa for the second wicket. Therefore, certainly an emerging and future Indian prospect.
Have India found a new finisher?
Although it was Windies pinch-hitter Andre Russell who did most of the hard work, young U-19 opener Shubman Gill was the star at the end. Having required 13 off the last over, Gill smacked two sixes in the over of Shakib Al Hasan to steer KKR home, as he made sure that Russell's effort didn't go waste. A future Indian finisher in the making.
