Sunrisers Hyderabad got off to a winning start in the Indian Premier League 2018 (IPL 2018) as they defeated Rajasthan Royals comprehensively by nine wickets at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Chasing a paltry total of 126, Sunrisers reached the target in 15.5 overs with Shikhar Dhawan and captain Kane Williamson finishing unbeaten on 77 and 36 respectively. After restricting Royals to a low total, SRH themselves got off to a poor start when Wriddhiman Saha fell in the second over on the bowling of Jaydev Unadkat. SRH vs RR Full Scorecard

After Unadkat’s dismissal, Royals any hope of a fightback was dashed as Dhawan and Williamson joined forces to bat the visitors out of the game. Both the batsmen looked in good touch as they helped their side chase down the target without any fuss. Dhawan, who was dropped on zero by Ajinkya Rahane,  during his unbeaten stay smashed 13 fours and a six while Williamson hit three fours and a six. IPL 2018 Points Table 

Earlier, put to bat Royals lost opener D Arcy Short in the first over when Williamson with a direct hit ran him out at the non-striker's end. It was then Rahane and Sanju Samson who brought some stability in RR batting. The duo added 46 for the second wicket before Rahane was sent back by Siddarth Kaul. You can watch video highlights of SRH vs RR here.

After Rahane’s dismissal, Royals completely lost their way and at regular intervals lost wickets. Ben Stokes failed to make an impression as Billy Stanlake accounted for him in the ninth over with RR’s scored reading 63/3. Samson, however, tried to bail his side out of the trouble with Rahul Tripathi, but both were victims of Shakib Al Hasan in the 14th over. Royals eventually were restated to below par score. IPL 2018 Schedule 

For Sunrisers, Shakib and Kaul scalped two wickets each while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Stanlake, and Rashid Khan picked a wicket each.

Sunrisers, who are on top of IPL 2018 points table, will face Mumbai Indians next at the same venue on April 12. Royals, on the other hand, will play their first home game of the season in Jaipur against Delhi Daredevils on April 11.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 09, 2018 11:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).