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| Photo: BCCI & IPL |
Match Summary:
Sunrisers Hyderabad Innings: SRH posted a total of 178 for 6, with Kane Williamson top-scoring with 47. Contributions from Yusuf Pathan (45*) and Shikhar Dhawan (26) provided support, but disciplined bowling from Lungi Ngidi and Shardul Thakur restricted SRH in the final overs.
Chennai Super Kings Innings: CSK chased down the target with ease, scoring 181 for 2 in 18.3 overs. Shane Watson's explosive 117 not out off 57 balls was the highlight of the innings, supported by Suresh Raina's 32.
Key Moments:
SRH’s Steady Start and Middle-Order Struggles: SRH adopted a cautious approach initially, scoring 42 for 1 in the Powerplay. However, they couldn't maintain momentum as Dhawan and Williamson fell without converting their starts into big scores. Williamson's dismissal by Karn Sharma was crucial in slowing down the run rate.
Late Surge by SRH: Yusuf Pathan played a vital innings towards the end, hitting boundaries to push SRH to a competitive total. However, excellent death bowling by Ngidi and Thakur, who conceded only 18 runs in the last two overs, kept SRH from reaching an imposing score.
Watson’s Masterclass: Watson’s innings was a display of patience and power. After a slow start, where he took 11 balls to get off the mark, Watson exploded, targeting SRH’s younger bowlers. His assault on Siddarth Kaul and Sandeep Sharma, who conceded 95 runs in their combined seven overs, was pivotal.
Rashid Khan Contained: Rashid Khan, SRH’s star spinner, was played out cautiously by Watson and Raina, ensuring he didn't take a wicket. This strategic approach minimized Rashid's impact and kept CSK's chase on track.
Top Performers:
Chennai Super Kings:
- Shane Watson: His unbeaten 117 was the cornerstone of CSK’s chase, making him the standout performer of the match.
- Lungi Ngidi: His economical spell and tight bowling at the death were crucial in restricting SRH to 178.
Sunrisers Hyderabad:
- Kane Williamson: Top-scored with 47 and provided a stable platform for SRH.
- Yusuf Pathan: His unbeaten 45 off 25 balls gave SRH a fighting chance.
Brief Scores:
- SRH: 178/6 in 20 overs (Kane Williamson 47, Yusuf Pathan 45*, Lungi Ngidi 1/26, Shardul Thakur 2/32)
- CSK: 181/2 in 18.3 overs (Shane Watson 117*, Suresh Raina 32, Carlos Brathwaite 1/23)
Match Analysis:
Chennai Super Kings’ Strategy: CSK’s game plan revolved around neutralizing SRH’s key bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan, and targeting the less experienced bowlers. This strategy paid off as Watson dismantled SRH’s attack after a cautious start.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Approach: SRH's plan to set a defendable total was thwarted by disciplined bowling and fielding from CSK. Their middle-order failed to capitalize on the foundation laid by Williamson and Dhawan.
Conclusion:
Chennai Super Kings’ victory in the 2018 IPL final was a testament to their strategic acumen and the experience of their players. Shane Watson’s century, combined with effective death bowling, highlighted CSK’s dominance. This win marked CSK’s return to glory, reaffirming their status as one of the most successful teams in IPL history.
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