Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captain knock led CSK to a comfortable win over SRH


Chennai Super Kings (CSK) produced a dominating performance to outclass Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 78 runs at the Chepauk. With a comfortable victory after back-to-back defeats, CSK now moves to No.3 on the table with a good NRR of +0.810. CSK bowlers executed their plans well and bowled brilliantly to bowl out the power-packed SRH for 134. Tushar Deshpande starred with a four-wicket haul while Matheesha Pathirana and Mustafizur Rahman picked up two each.

Invited to bat, CSK lost Ajinkya Rahane early for just 9. Daryl Mithcell, who struggled to score big in the previous matches batted well to score runs at a good pace. Ruturaj Gaikwad alongside Mitchell stitched a breath-taking 107-run partnership to make things tough for the SRH bowlers. The Kiwi all-rounder slammed his maiden IPL half-century before departing for 52.

CSK captain Gaikwad continued to attack the SRH bowlers and found the boundary ropes with ease. The yellow army thought that Gaikwad would reach his century in style but the young opener walked back after playing a blistering knock of 98, smacking 1o fours and 3 sixes. Shivam and MS Dhoni remained unbeaten on 39 and 5, taking CSK to 212/3 in 20 overs.

Aggressive openers Travis Head (13) and Abhishek Sharma started well for SRH, but Deshpande struck twice in the second over to stun the visitors. In his next over, the right-arm removed the dangerous Abhishek for 15. Aiden Markram batted well for his 32 before Pathirana bowled an excellent yorker to clean him up. Heinrich Klaasen (20) and Abdul Samad (19) were the other two batters to reach the double-figures. CSK bowlers used the dewy conditions well and bowled at good line and length to make it so difficult for the SRH batters.