David Warner Relishing 'New' Opening Role for Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad's swashbuckling batsman David Warner is enjoying his time at the top of the order for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League 2014. He expressed his delight for his 'new' role with a brilliant 45-ball knock of 90 to pave the way for Hyderabad's six-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings on Thursday to keep his side's playoff hopes alive. (Scorecard | Highlights)

After playing in the middle-order for most parts of the tournament, the Sunrisers management decided to promote him back to his prefered opening position in their previous game against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The move paid off as he smashed 59 off 46 balls in Sunrisers Hyderabad's seven wicket win. He followed that knock up with another match-winning innings vs the Chennai Super Kings. (How David Warner Stunned Chennai Super Kings)

"I love batting at the top of the order, I enjoyed steadying the ship as well. Then the coach came up and asked me to open," Warner said, while collecting the Man of the Match Award for his scintillating knock against Chennai.

Warner missed out on his third IPL hundred by just 10 runs but went on to cross the 500-run mark in the ongoing edition of the IPL.

While accepting the award, Warner also praised his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan who has had a rough season.

"Credit to Shikhar for back to back fifties. It was good to see him score runs," Warner said.

With this win, Sunrisers Hyderabad move to 5th spot in points table and have a slender chance of taking the last available spot for the playoffs.