IPL 2018: Top 5 knocks from captains this season

3. Kane Williamson 83* from 53 balls versus DD

Kane Williamson, prior to the tournament, wasn’t quite regarded as a typical T20 batsman. However, he displayed a different version of his batting in this IPL. The Sunrisers Hyderabad were one win away from a berth in the playoffs. Rishabh Pant’s belligerent knock of 128 runs meant that SRH were faced with a target of 188. During the run-chase, Alex Hales was nipped out cheaply by Harshal Patel.

Thereafter, the onus was on the SRH captain to shepherd the innings. He didn’t disappoint and scored 83 runs with eight fours and a couple of sixes. More importantly, he played until the very end and saw his team home without them having to face many hiccups. He racked his half-century in 38 balls with a classical lofted-stroke against Trent Boult over long-on that went for a boundary.

He had Shikhar Dhawan at the other end, who acted as a perfect foil for the New Zealand batsman. Albeit the Kiwi cricketer didn’t get the Player of the Match award, the importance of the knock can’t be undermined. SRH eventually became the first team to enter the playoffs and with three matches remaining in the league stage.