Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson put in a man of the match performance to all but end the Indian Premier League playoff hopes of several Black Caps teammates and former teammates.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad captain scored 56, his fifth half century of the tournament, to lead his side to a five-run win over a Royal Challengers Bangalore side which included Tim Southee and Colin de Grandhomme. Brendon McCullum is also a member of the Bangalore squad while Daniel Vettori is the coach.
The victory moved Hyderabad to 16 points and the top of the IPL table, securing a spot in the semifinals while the Royal Challengers have a slim mathematical chance of making the playoffs but with just three wins from 10 games it seems that is unlikely.
With Hyderabad batting first, Williamson was out in the middle early after Southee bowled opened Alex Hales in the third over for five. Williamson hit five fours and two sixes in his 39-ball knock while Southee finished with 3-30 as the Sunrisers limped to 146 all out.
Bangalore struggled in their chase however, falling to 84 for five including the dismissals of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Moeen Ali, before de Grandhomme gave them some hope late in the innings. The Black Caps all-rounder made 33 from 29 but was bowled off the last ball of the match needing a six to secure the win.
