Chennai Super Kings returned to winning ways after MS Dhoni returned as captain. Just like the good old days, defending champions delivered an impactful performance to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 13-runs. Chasing a big target of 203, SRH fell short, despite late heroics from Nicholas Pooran (64*) and gritty innings by skipper Kane Williamson at the top. Mukesh Choudhary was the stand-out bowler for CSK with a four-wicket haul.
After being invited to bat, CSK openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway put SRH’s attack to the sword and notched up a scintillating 182-run partnership, the highest opening stand for CSK in IPL history. Gaikwad’s assault against the fastest bowler in IPL 2022, Umran Malik changed the complexion of the game.
Gaikwad played some exceptional shots to clear the boundary ropes. Unfortunately, he missed out on his 2nd IPL hundred, getting dismissed for 99. On the other side, the Kiwi batter pulled off a class act with the bat in hand. Conway scored an unbeaten 85 off 55 deliveries and helped CSK to post a mammoth total of 202/2 in 20 overs.
In reply, Abhishek Sharma and Williamson gave a fine start by adding 58-runs. But Mukesh Choudhary struck twice in the 6th over to dismiss Sharma (39) and Rahul Tripathi for a duck. Pretorius then bowled a slower one to trap Williamson LBW for 47. Though wickets kept falling, Pooran fought a lone battle with a top batting effort. However, it went in vain as he lacked support from the other end.
