Lots of bowling talent in India: Warner

Man-of-the-match Mohammed Siraj took four wickets for 32 runs while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Siddarth Kaul returned with figures of 2/25 and 1/30 respectively as the Sunrisers bowlers effected a collapse of the Gujarat Lions batting line-up. Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan also played a big role with his figures of 3/43 as the Lions, who were asked to bat first, were bowled out for 154 in 19.2 overs after a 111-run opening stand between Ishan Kishan (61 off 40 balls) and Dwayne Smith (54 off 33 balls). Speaking after the match, Warner gave credit for the win to his bowlers, including Siraj, for the the way they brought their side back after a rollicking stand between the Lions openers.

“Would have been (a shame if Sunrisers didn’t make it). They (the Lions) got to a flier, I was scratching my head there for a second. When we got wickets back to back, it showed the wicket was slowing a bit,” Warner said after the match. “There is some fantastic bowling units around in the country. It shows what talent you have here, especially in the T20s and ODIs,” said Warner who carried his way through the innings with an unbeaten 69 to anchor his side’s successful run chase. He said there was a bit of pressure on his side to make it to the play-offs. “It’s about not worrying about the next couple of games, take each game as it comes. Keep backing our skills.” Lions captain Suresh Raina lamented the lack of good bowlers in his side. “We don’t have those good experienced bowlers, credit to other teams who executed their plans really well. This year was a learning point,” Raina said. “Thanks to all the Gujarat fans, Kanpur has always been good for us. It’s a disappointing season. The groundstaff work so hard in the heat. We didn’t bat well. —PTI