Rough start but we are happy to win today: Aiden Markram

After two heavy defeats to begin their season, the Sunrisers Hyderabad have finally tasted success to get off the mark in IPL 2023. The pace unit combined with Mayank Markande’s brilliant 4/15 on debut for the franchise restricted the Punjab Kings to a below-par total of 143 in Match 14 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. In the second innings, Rahul Tripathi’s measured 74 not out off 48 balls ushered the side to a comfortable 8-wicket win despite early jitters. 

“It was a bit rough for us at the start but we are happy to win today. I believe that our great fan base was a privilege tonight. To get a win in front of them was very pleasing,” said the skipper Aiden Markram after the win who himself contributed an unbeaten 37 off 21 balls in the chase. 

The Sunrisers won the toss and opted to bowl first in this home fixture. While the pacers made the early inroads, the leg-spinner Mayank Markande ran through the Punjab batting in the middle-overs, picking the wickets of Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Nathan Ellis and Rahul Chahar.

Markande had come in for the experienced pro, Adil Rashid and shone on his debut for the franchise. “It's not a nice move to make,” said Markram about making the tough call. “But I am super happy for Mayank. He bowled really well tonight. He has a lot of heart about him,” the skipper explained further in appreciation of the leg-spinner. 

SRH had a slow start and were 45/2 in 8.3 overs in their run chase of 144. Tripathi absorbed all the pressure, scoring a flurry of boundaries in the third wicket partnership with Markram himself. “He [Tripathi] is only a couple of balls away from something special and he showed his class tonight,” Markram spoke on Tripathi’s breezy knock. 

Markram and Tripathi added 100 of 52 balls. Markram was slow off the blocks but Tripathi’s attacking instincts gave him the breathing space. “It is easy with Rahul at the other end,” noted Markram. 

SRH won by eight wickets but also chased down the target with 17 balls to spare which will help their net run-rate after losing their first two games by five wickets and 72 runs respectively. They will now face Kolkata Knight Riders in an away game on Friday (April 14).