Yuvraj Singh scored a rollicking 62 as defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad trumped Royal Challengers Bangalore by 35 runs in the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in Hyderabad yesterday.

The veteran Indian batsman smashed seven fours and three massive sixes in his 27-ball stay to power the champions to an imposing total of 207.

The Bangalore reply got off to a brisk start with Chris Gayle (32) and Mandeep Singh (24) forging a 50-run partnership within six overs, but the fall of both openers in quick succession derailed the chase.

Sunrisers, who were missing paceman Mustafizur Rahman due to his international commitments, saw new recruit Rashid Khan stepping up to the task. The Afghanistan leg-spinner took two crucial wickets as Bangalore were bowled out for 172 in 19.4 overs.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SUNRISERS HYDERABAD: 207 for 4 (Yuvraj 62, Henriques 52; Chahal 1-22)

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE: 172 all out in 19.4 overs (Gayle 32, Jadhav 31; Rashid 2-36)

Result: Hyderabad won by 35 runs.