Left a few runs out there with the bat, did not maximise: Aiden Markram

Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Aiden Markram claimed that he was pretty pleased with the total his side posted in the first innings, but admitted that they did not fully ‘maximise’ and ended up falling a few runs short. 

Inserted into bat, Sunrisers Hyderabad, powered by a stunning ton from Heinrich Klaasen, posted 186 but had an underwhelming start and finish to the innings. The first five overs of SRH’s powerplay yielded just 33 runs for the loss of two wickets, but, after an outstanding recovery, they only managed to score 26 off their last 3 overs despite the presence of two set batters.

“I thought we batted pretty well but did not maximise. Maybe we left a few runs out there, in the powerplay. Can't be on the winning side for Heinrich, who batted brilliantly today,” Markram said at the presentation.

Markram rued the fact that his side were unable to sign off on a winning note in Hyderabad. The loss on Thursday against RCB made it six losses in seven home games for Markram’s side, whose solitary win in Hyderabad came against Punjab Kings on April 9th.

“The support was awesome not just for us but for RCB as well. Pity we couldn't give them a win. But thanks to them. 

“We are still sportsmen and hate losing, wanted to go away with a smile but they were much better. Faf and Kohli killed the game. We still hung in there and weren't too far off at the end.”

Markram admitted that he had ‘one fewer’ option in the powerplay due to the absence of both Marco Jansen and Fazalhaq Farooqi, but insisted that he was pleased with the way some of the younger bowlers operated. The SRH skipper asserted that his bowlers had the right ideas, but were simply unable to execute them properly.

“We had a look at few guys which is good for the future. Probably one less option in the powerplay but the guys tried their best but execution let them down here and there with Faf and Kohli in full flow. Someone like Nitish was very impressive even if the figures don't reflect it.”

Finally, Markram reserved special words of praise for his countryman Klaasen, who played arguably one of the innings of the tournament, smashing a 51-ball 104 coming-in at 33/2. 

“Special knock from Klaasen. Super happy for the guy. I don't think he would have dreamed of getting a hundred in the IPL. Unfortunately ended in a losing cause.”

Sunrisers’ tournament is done, but on Sunday, they can yet spoil Mumbai Indians’ party by beating the five-time champions at the Wankhede.