Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman has said that it was the increase in the percentage of dot balls that pushed them on the backfoot against Mumbai Indians in Chennai on Saturday and the Hyderabad franchise eventually suffered a defeat by 13 runs.
Chasing a target of 151 in 20 overs, SRH were bundled out for 137 despite starting off the proceedings in a decent manner.
"That's (taking singles and twos) a very important skill especially on these kind of wickets because it is not easy to hit through the line. You can't rely on just boundaries and sixes," Laxman said at the post-match press conference.
Laxman further suggested that keeping the dot-ball percentage low was the key to stay in the hunt. "It's very important to keep the dot-ball percentage low, and the only way you can do it is by manipulating the field by rotating the strike,” he added.
SRH openers David Warner and Jonny Bairstow put up 67 runs on the board in 7.2 overs before Bairstow departed for 43 off 22. The right-handed batsman’s departure saw fall of wickets at regular intervals for the Warner-led side.
They were soon left tottering at 130/7 before getting bundled out for 137 in the last over. Trent Boult and Rahul Chahar scalped a three-wicket haul each.
Earlier, MI managed to put 150/5 in 20 overs after a late surge from Kieron Pollard who chipped in with an unbeaten 22-ball 35.
MI will now face Delhi Capitals in Chennai while SRH will lock horns with Punjab Kings at the same venue.