Chennai Super Kings scored 165/5 in 20 overs, where as Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 166/4 in 18.1 overs.
So, finally Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Chennai Super Kings by 6 wickets.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s splendid bowling in the crucial death overs paved the way for a commanding victory, complemented by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive start and Aiden Markram’s composed half-century.
Their collective effort led to a convincing six-wicket triumph over Chennai Super Kings as they successfully chased down the 166-run target with 11 balls to spare at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.
This victory propels them to the fifth position on the points table.
A competitive powerplay ensued as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra cautiously navigated the early overs of the CSK innings, accumulating 25 runs off the first three overs while minimizing risks.
A moment of potential breakthrough arose when Ravindra attempted a swift single on 11, but Aiden Markram’s direct throw narrowly missed the stumps.
However, the missed opportunity didn’t prove costly as Ravindra fell in the subsequent over, skying a delivery to Markram at mid-on.
Moments later, Bhuvneshwar Kumar nearly claimed Ajinkya Rahane’s wicket with a leading edge that almost carried back to the bowler.
Despite these chances, Gaikwad countered aggressively against Bhuvneshwar and Pat Cummins towards the latter stages of the powerplay, guiding the team to 48 for 1.
The Dube-Rahane Partnership
During what could be described as the most promising phase for CSK in the match, Shivam Dube and Ajinkya Rahane orchestrated a formidable 65-run partnership in just 39 deliveries.
After Ruturaj Gaikwad’s departure in the eighth over, leaving the field after a promising start, it was up to the Mumbai duo to carry the innings forward during the middle overs.
Dube assumed the role of the aggressor, initiating his onslaught by taking Mayank Markande to task in a productive 15-run ninth over.
His dominance continued three overs later when he dispatched consecutive deliveries from T Natarajan for sixes over the deep mid-wicket region.
Although Dube’s innings came to an end as he mistimed a pull off a slower delivery from Cummins, his brisk 45 off 24 balls injected much-needed momentum into CSK’s innings heading into the death overs.
Meanwhile, Rahane provided steady support, playing the role of a dependable partner.
However, his innings was cut short in the following over, falling victim to Jaydev Unadkat’s deceptive slower delivery.
Tightening the Grip in the Final Overs
As the pitch began to show signs of sluggishness, the Sunrisers Hyderabad pacers capitalized by persistently bowling length deliveries.
After the quick dismissals of Shivam Dube and Ajinkya Rahane, the incoming Chennai Super Kings batsmen found it challenging to adjust to the slower pace of the pitch while trying to accelerate.
This struggle was particularly evident in Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty innings, where he managed an unbeaten 31 off 23 balls.
However, there was minimal support from Daryl Mitchell (13 off 11 balls) and MS Dhoni (1* off 2 balls), resulting in CSK adding only 51 runs in the last seven overs.
Consequently, they were contained to a total of 165 for 5, as the Sunrisers Hyderabad bowlers successfully stifled their scoring opportunities in the crucial death overs.
Seizing Control in the Powerplay
Sunrisers Hyderabad took command of the match right from the outset, neutralizing any potential challenge posed by Chennai Super Kings in the powerplay.
Abhishek Sharma spearheaded the assault on CSK’s pacers, particularly in the second over, where he single-handedly shifted the momentum with an onslaught comprising three sixes and two boundaries off Mukesh Choudhary.
His aggressive approach continued against Chahar, whom he dispatched for another boundary and six.
Despite his eventual dismissal, Abhishek’s whirlwind 37 off just 12 balls provided the impetus needed to kickstart the chase.
The early aggression was initiated by Travis Head, who lofted Deepak Chahar for a six in the very first over.
Although Chahar had a chance to dismiss the opener on the second ball, Moeen Ali’s dropped catch at first slip reprieved him.
Following Abhishek’s departure, the tempo briefly slowed down before picking up again in the final over of the powerplay.
Aiden Markram, alongside Head, added 12 crucial runs, propelling Sunrisers Hyderabad to a commanding 78 for 1 even before the fielding restrictions were lifted.
This dominant display effectively nullified any threat posed by Chennai Super Kings early in the contest.
Markram Anchors the Chase
With Sunrisers Hyderabad comfortably halfway towards their target by the close of the powerplay, there was no need for them to resort to risky tactics.
In contrast, Chennai Super Kings shuffled their bowling options, deploying a total of seven different bowlers in a bid to regain control.
While the spinners managed to apply some brakes on the scoring rate, they struggled to shift the momentum back in favor of the home side.
Maheesh Theekshana provided a breakthrough in the 10th over, dismissing Travis Head after he swept a delivery straight to the backward square leg fielder.
However, Aiden Markram remained unfazed, ensuring there was no sense of panic in the Sunrisers’ camp.
Markram exhibited composure and precision, expertly maneuvering the ball into the gaps and capitalizing on opportunities to pick up quick singles and twos.
He showcased his attacking prowess by taking on Ravindra Jadeja, dispatching him for a towering six down the ground.
Markram reached his well-deserved half-century off 35 deliveries, nudging a delivery from Moeen Ali down to long-on for a single.
However, his innings came to an end shortly after as he attempted a reverse sweep, only to be trapped leg-before wicket by an incoming delivery.
Despite Markram’s departure, his steady presence throughout the chase ensured that Sunrisers Hyderabad remained in control of the proceedings, eventually guiding them towards a successful pursuit of the target.
Any Last-Minute Dramatics?
Not exactly.
However, following Markram’s departure, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batsmen faced a brief period of pressure, particularly Shahbaz Ahmed, who was elevated to the number 4 position.
Facing a series of dot deliveries, Shahbaz felt compelled to take risks and went for big shots.
Although he managed to connect for a six, similar to Markram, he fell victim to Moeen Ali’s bowling while attempting a reverse sweep.
Nevertheless, Heinrich Klaasen remained composed, ensuring there was no sense of panic as he steered Sunrisers Hyderabad to their second victory of the season.
Leave a Reply