A David Warner-inspired Sunrisers Hyderabad have stunned the star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore with an eight-run victory to win the Indian Premier League for the first time.
Skipper Warner, who confirmed he'd end his self-imposed year-long booze ban to celebrate the success, led from the front with a brilliant 69 from 38 balls after winning the toss and electing to bat as his side clocked up an imposing 207 with Queensland's Ben Cutting chipping in with a quickfire 39 from 15 balls.
Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli got the RCB response off to a blistering start with the West Indies masterblaster feasting off some loose bowling as he smashed eight sixes and four boundaries before departing for 76 after top-edging a Cutting delivery to Bipul Sharma.
Kohli was uncharacteristically subdued in comparison to his opening partner but his departure for 54 proved to be the turning point as RCB slipped from 2-140 from 13 overs to finish 7-200 with AB De Villiers (5), Shane Watson (11) and Sachin Baby (18) all failing to fire as the Sunrisers' attack held their nerve in the final four overs.
"It's a fantastic team achievement and for me quite overwhelming I'd like to thank the chairman and his wife for the opportunity to lead this side," Warner said.
"It's been a long journey over two years ... we knew we had to get 200 plus to beat these guys - they are a fantastic team but for our guys we came through as massive underdogs ... I'm so proud of these guys.
"We'll really celebrate this and it's about time I had a beer."
Cutting finished with figures of 2-35 to go along with his contribution with the bat and claimed the man of the match award.
"It was great to be a part of this and play a role but this win was set up by Davey and we probably wouldn't be standing here now if it wasn't for him," said Cutting.
Sunrisers assistant coach VVS Laxman also hailed the captaincy of the Australian opener and said his contribution to the team on and off the field was a huge factor in their success.
"In the last two or three years he has led from the front," said the former India Test batting star.
"Even when Chris Gayle was batting, he was calm and that is the confidence you want from a captain ... we're very fortunate to have him."
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