Pandey was named Player of the Match after blasting 83no from 47 balls alongside Shankar who made 52no from 51 balls as Sunrisers Hyderabad recovered from 2-16 to chase down Rajasthan Royals’ score of 6-154 with 11 balls to spare.
The win lifts Sunrisers up to fifth on the Indian Premier League standings and improves their ledger to 4-6, while the Royals are second last at 4-7 and likely to miss the playoffs.
But the big statement came from Hyderabad who had been reliant on Warner (4) and Jonny Bairstow (10) this season, but the pair both failed, before Pandey and Shankar stepped up.
“It is just great to show people that we do have a middle order,” Warner said.
“For them to come out and play like this, I am so happy for them.
“They showed they can build a platform for us to get across the line. Or set a big total. I am chuffed for them.
“We probably are a better defending team, but my decision to chase was based on the last two games.
“The weather is cooler, with dew around, it might be flipping around for everyone.”
Jofra Archer gave Rajasthan hope with both the bat and the ball, with 16no from seven balls in a late innings cameo, before taking the early wickets of Warner and Bairstow.
But Royals captain Steve Smith lamented his decision to not bowl Archer for a third over during the Powerplay, allowing Pandey and Shankar to settle.
“I thought we started really well. Jofra obviously taking the two big wickets early but we couldn’t keep the foot on the pedal,” Smith said.
“The third over for Jofra was on my mind, I discussed it with a couple of guys. In hindsight, we should have bowled a third straight over.”