'Easiest to hit' - Josh Hazlewood speaks about Umran Malik after Bangalore's 67-run win over Hyderabad

The 54th game of the Indian T20 league 2022 saw Bangalore beat Hyderabad by 67 runs. It was a clinical performance from the Faf du Plessis-led side, to say the least. It is safe to say that they completely outplayed the orange army in all three departments of the game.

When it comes to their pacers, Josh Hazlewood was superb in particular as he once again had a day to remember. He took two wickets in his full quota of four overs, and gave just 17 runs in the process. After the completion of the game, he went on to speak about Umran Malik.

Is it to be noted that the Jammu and Kashmir pacer has proved to be expensive in the last few games for Hyderabad. Despite generating the extra pace at will, he has leaked runs of late. He was hit for 25 runs in his two overs during the game against the Bangalore-based franchise as well. Thus, Hazlewood spoke about how pace on the ball was easier to hit.

"Tonight's wicket didn't suit pace on. They (Hyderabad) had a lot of pace, three guys bowling close to 150 - probably wasn't suited to this wicket. It was just about adapting in every condition. Umran Malik will learn along the way and get better. Pace on ball was probably the easiest to hit," said Josh Hazlewood.

It will be interesting to see how the Hyderabad management handles Malik. After few poor outings, they will have to help him overcome his shortcomings. In the meanwhile, After scoring 192-3 in the first innings, Bangalore bundled Hyderabad for 125 in the second innings. Thus, Hazlewood drew light on their plans. He stated that the wicket was probably dry and thus, they took the pace off.

"Sweaty again, nice and hot. The wicket probably got drier as the match went on. Being a day game, it deteriorated and we took the pace off. Our spinners bowled really well, we worked to a plan and achieved it. It (knuckle ball) is tough in these conditions with how sweaty everything is and when the dew comes in at night. It's a tough skill, but seems to be coming out okay," he added.