David Warner has taken over as leading run-scorer in the Indian Premier League after smashing 81 to steer Sunrisers Hyderabad side to an exciting five-run victory over Kings XI Punjab.
The Sunrisers skipper was in his element at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium on Monday, launching a relentless attack on Punjab's bowlers as he belted six fours and five sixes from 51 balls.
In doing so, he passed Ajinkya Rahane's 461-run IPL aggregate to displace him as leading run scorer for the tournament with a total of 504 from 12 innings.
Warner's efforts were supplemented by opening partner Shikhar Dhawan (24) and fellow Australian Moises Henriques (28) as his side posted a total of 5-185.
But it was with the ball that Henriques really shone, the New South Welshman logging 3-16 from his four overs.
Kings XI captain George Bailey had a day to forget with just six runs from 11 balls, before he was caught and bowled by no other than Warner and Henriques.
Things weren't much better for teammate Glenn Maxwell, who was caught behind for 11 off the bowling of Kiwi Trent Boult.
But the Victorian did have some joy, earlier setting up Dhawan's stumping with the first ball he delivered.
South African left-hander David Miller allowed Punjab to hope via an astonishing 89 off 44 balls that brought his team so close to a shock win.
"Miller is not someone you want to bowl to at the death but I thought our bowlers did really well, it was very nerve-wracking at the end though," said Warner.
"If we stopped Miller then 160 was a par score."
The loss left Punjab with 10 defeats this season as Hyderabad surged to third spot behind Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
LEADING RUN SCORERS IN THE IPL season
David Warner, Sunrisers Hyderabad - 504
Ajinkya Rahane, Rajasthan Royals - 461
AB de Villiers, Royal Challengers Bangalore - 436
Brendon McCullum, Chennai Super Kings - 419
Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Bangalore - 417
Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians - 376
Chris Gayle, Royal Challengers Bangalore - 370
Shreyas Iyer, Delhi Daredevils - 349
Lendl Simmons, Mumbai Indians - 345
Shikhar Dhawan, Sunrisers Hyderabad - 344
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