Chennai Super Kings (CSK) scripted history, as they came back after two years to lift the much-coveted trophy for the third time beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.
Meanwhile, many doubted on Chennai’s ability after the mega auctions, as most of their average squad size were over 30. However, they rest aside all the speculations with all their senior cricketers contributing significantly to their success.
Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Kane Williamson got Hyderabad to a good start after losing the early wicket of Shreevats Goswami. The pair added 51 before Dhawan departed, however, Williamson (47) continued his outstanding form.
Further, Yusuf Pathan played a blinder of an innings after he came to the crease at the 101 for three. Pathan remained unbeaten on 45 runs from just 25 deliveries including four boundaries and two sixes, as Hyderabad finished on 178 at the loss of six wickets.
However, Chennai came back brilliantly in the last two overs to keep the score within 180. Lungi Ngidi finished his debut stint in India on a high with an impressive figure of one for 26 in his four overs. In reply, Chennai got off to a very slow start seeing off the new ball. They managed to score 35 runs for the loss of one wicket at the end of the powerplay overs.
Since then it has been one person show with Shane Watson dominating the best bowling attack of the tournament. He brought his second IPL century of this season in just 51 deliveries to become the fourth batsmen to achieve so.
Meanwhile, Chennai scripted a spectacular comeback, as they reached the target with nine balls to spare as Watson remained unbeaten on 117 runs from 57 balls.
Here is the players rating of the Super Kings:
Shane Watson: (10/10)
Every word falls short for the outstanding Shane Watson. He played the match-winning knock, as he remained unbeaten on 117 runs to take his team home. He finished the tournament on a high with the second century of the season.
Faf du Plessis: (4/10)
The South Africa skipper struggled to score runs in the mega-finale. He departed scoring only ten runs. However, Faf du Plessis has contributed to team’s success in whatever limited opportunities he has got.
Suresh Raina: (6/10)
Although he struggled to score runs freely, Suresh Raina played a secondary role to Watson. He chipped in with 32 runs from 24 balls to take his team closer to the victory.
Ambati Rayudu: (5.5/10)
Ambati Rayudu finished things off, as he remained unbeaten 16 runs with the help of one boundary and one six. Meanwhile, it marks the end of a successful campaign for Rayudu, who earned a national call-up for the England tour.
MS Dhoni (c & wk): (3/10)
MS Dhoni didn’t have to bat today, as Watson did the job for the Chennai side. However, he was spot on with his decisions on the field and led the tournament from the front.
Dwayne Bravo: (3/10)
The Windies all-rounder had a poor day in business, as he got a good beating from Yusuf Pathan. Bravo went for 46 runs from his full quota, however, had a good tournament overall.
Ravindra Jadeja: (3/10)
Ravindra Jadeja was expensive in today’s game, as Dhoni didn’t bowl his full quota. Jadeja gave away 24 runs in his two overs, however, bagged the important wicket of Dhawan.
Karn Sharma: (5.5/10)
Coming in as a replacement for Harbhajan Singh, Karn Sharma picked the important wicket of Williamson. Moreover, the wicket slowed Hyderabad’s run-rate. The leg-spinner returned with one for 25 in his three overs.
Deepak Chahar: (6/10)
Deepak Chahar ended his dream run in this tournament on a high. He bowled brilliantly with the new ball and continued his job once again. The young spinner returned with none for 25 in his four overs.
Shardul Thakur: (5/10)
Shardul Thakur was expensive once again giving away 31 runs from his three overs claiming only one wicket. However, he bowled a tight last over to shift the momentum to CSK’s favour.
Lungi Ngidi: (6.5/10)
The seamer from South Africa has been brilliant for the Chennai after coming back in the latter half of the league. He once played a crucial game in the final match as he bowled a brilliant 19th over. Lungi Ngidi returned with one for 26 in his four overs.
