CSK’s Ruturaj Gaikwad (99) and Devon Conway (85) rained sixes and fours, Mukesh Choudhary took a 4-wicket haul, who could have stopped CSK under M S Dhoni ‘s captaincy from a 13-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
CSK now has six points with five matches remaining, while SRH remained in the fourth position with 10 points in the overall standing.
Gaikwad (99 off 57 balls) and Conway (85 not out off 55) put SRH’s on the defensive. The 182-run partnership of the two is the highest opening stand of the season.
Gaikwad, who has been blowing hot and cold this season, was at his destructive best as he smashed six sixes and as many fours before tragically falling short of a ton by just one run. The 25-year-old was in his zone as he stood on his backfoot, and played some exceptional shots to dominate the formidable SRH bowling unit.
CSK posted an imposing 202 for two after being invited to bat. In reply, SRH fell short, reaching 189 for 6 in 20 overs despite good performances by Nicholas Pooran (64 not out) and a 47-run innings by skipper Kane Williamson at the top.
SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Kane Williamson got off to a strong start before Mukesh Choudhary struck twice in the final powerplay over. Sharma was dismissed for 39, while Rahul Tripathi was packed for a golden duck. Aiden Markram was the next man to depart as he was dismissed on 17 by Mitchell Santner. Williamson hung around in the middle until the 15th over before getting out on 47. Choudhary then went to scalp another two towards the closing stage of the match as SRH managed 189/6 in the end.
