'Will take every game as a final' - Rashid Khan confident of SRH reaching playoffs despite grim chances

After a miserable outing in the first leg of Indian Premier League (IPL), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will be hoping for a better show when the T20 extravaganza resumes in UAE on September 19. The 'Men in Orange' are tottering at the bottom of the points table with one win in seven games.

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SRH’s playoff chances look grim but ace spinner Rashid Khan is still hopeful of making a turnaround in UAE. Rashid said the team is united and keen to do well in the second leg, adding they will take every game as a final.

“Definitely looking forward to the rest of the season. We did not have the ideal first half during the competition in India but we are united and looking to take every game as a final for us and give 100 percent.”

Rashid comes into the IPL after some fantastic performances in the Hundred and is confident of making important contributions for his team. Rashid was SRH’s highest wicket-taker in the first leg with 10 wickets in 7 games at an economy of 6.14. The conditions in UAE will be favourable for spinners which makes the leg spinner even more dangerous.

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“I am really happy to be back with the guys and looking forward to the rest of the season to be played here, in the UAE. I am pretty confident as I had good games in The Hundred and The Vitality Blast. So looking forward to the games and we want to finish off well.”

Rashid is also a very handy batter down the order and adds a lot of depth to his side. While playing for Sussex in the T20 Blast, the 22-year-old played a whirlwind knock of 27 in just 9 balls against Yorkshire, hitting three boundaries and two sixes. Rashid said he understands the importance of being able to contribute with the bat as well and he’s keenly working hard to improve his skills as a batter.

“From the last one and a half years, I have been working on my batting. When the team needs 20-25 runs at the end, they are very crucial for the side. While chasing as well, these runs are important. So I am just trying my best to do different things. I haven’t practiced different shots in the nets a lot. It is just about the mindset. Wherever I hit the ball, I want to try my best to finish up well and use my wrists.”

SRH open their account against Delhi Capitals on September 22 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.