After keeping things tight with the ball to limit SRH to 134/9, CSK chased down the target in 19.4 overs & with 6 wickets in hand to register their ninth win of the season.
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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have officially confirmed their spot in the playoffs for the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This marks a major development after the Chennai-based franchise failed to reach the same platform in the previous season, resulting in a lot of criticism. CSK defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets in Match 44 of the ongoing season, to confirm their spot in the playoffs. The dominant win was possible due to a spectacular performance by the bowling attack led by Dwayne Bravo and Josh Hazlewood, who helped restrict SRH to 134. Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Faf du Plessis ensured a fine start to proceedings during the chase, with MS Dhoni and Ambati Rayadu wrapping up proceedings in a tidy manner.
Dhoni finished the tie with a six, which guaranteed both aspects. The first was CSK’s qualification for the playoffs with the second SRH being officially knocked out. Dhoni freed his muscular arms following an overpitched delivery, smashing the ball into the stands. Gaikwad (45) and Du Plessis (41) had ensured a fine start early on in a paltry chase, leaving Dhoni and Rayadu (17*) with a lot of freedom despite cheap dismissals for Moeen Ali and Suresh Raina. Jason Holder was the pick of the bowlers for SRH, accounting for three dismissals.
“It means a lot, because the last time, we said we wanted to come back strong. We are known for that and there was a lot at stake. You won’t always win games and a lot didn’t go our way last time, and it’s important not to make excuses and we have done that this year. The boys did well to keep the momentum going, and they’ve taken responsibilties to keep all departments of the game in balance so the players and the support staff get the credit,” said Dhoni as quoted by Cricbuzz.
“The bounce of the wicket was different – instead of knee height, it was shin height, and once the batsmen figured out that they have to hit straight, they succeeded. The bowlers tried to swing it up front and got hit straight when then pitched it up too much, but then adjusted very well. I told the bowlers that they needed to exploit the conditions in today’s game. If the odd ball stopped early on, it started coming onto the bat later. Not much needs to be said of the fans, who have supported us through thick and thin and I’m glad we have repaid their faith.”
Hazlewood and Bravo showcased their prowess with the ball. Hazlewood accounted for three wickets with Bravo registering two dismissals, to help restrict the Hyderabad-based franchise to a paltry total of 134 runs for the loss of seven wickets. The Australian helped send Jason Roy, Abhishek Sharma and Abdul Samad back to the pavilion, with the English batter capable of being a game-changer on his day. Bravo struck with the massive dismissals of Kane Williamson and Priyam Garg. Ravindra Jadeja was in the thick of action yet again, striking with the key wicket of opener Wriddhiman Saha.
Saha was the top run-getter for SRH, accumulating 44 runs off 46 deliveries. None of the other batsmen managed to score more than 20 runs which is an indication of their inability to leave much of an impact.
