MUMBAI:
Rahul Tripathi's superlative performance of 71 runs off 37 balls paved way for a comprehensive seven-wicket win for the
Sunrisers Hyderabad
(SRH) against
Kolkata Knight Riders
(KKR) in their
Indian Premier League (
IPL) match here at the Brabourne Stadium on Friday.
In his match-winning performance, Tripathi timed his innings to perfection and picked his bowlers to attack, taking Aman Hakim Khan and Varun Chakravarthy to the cleaners.
"I had fun. (Andre) Russell bangs in short, and I was looking for the pull if he bowled short. Varun bowls well. I didn't expect him to bowl up....So I thought of putting him under pressure, " said Tripathi at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Tripathi previously represented Kolkata Knight Riders and also played match-winning knocks for them, and now he was up against them steering Hyderabad to victory in 17.5 overs, while chasing a 176-run target.
"It's been special with KKR and with the SunRisers, the first few games have gone well. I have struggled with my health in the past week, but they (the franchise) have supported me," said Tripathi.
After not being retained by KKR, Tripathi was picked for Rs 8.50 crore by Sunrisers Hyderabad; and with this kind of performance, he has truly shown his worth as a No. 3 batter.
"I enjoy it a lot. There are tough days but on good days, I look to enjoy myself....I am happy I could play this innings today, " he Tripathi.
Tripathi bagged 'Player of the Match' award for his blistering knock to guide SRH to their third win of the season.