Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured a convincing six-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 18th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Opting to field first after winning the toss, SRH bowlers put up a disciplined display, restricting CSK to a modest total of 165/5. Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad (26) and Rachin Ravindra (12) failed to capitalize on starts, while a 50-run stand between Shivam Dube (45) and Ajinkya Rahane (35) provided some momentum. However, wickets fell at regular intervals, with Ravindra Jadeja (31) and Daryl Mitchell (13) adding some late flourish.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan, Pat Cummins, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Jaydev Unadkat all chipped in with a wicket apiece for SRH.
In reply, SRH openers tore into the CSK bowling attack. Abhishek Sharma, in particular, was brutal, smashing 27 runs off a single over from Mukesh Choudhary. His innings of 37 runs from just 12 balls, laced with three fours and four sixes, laid the foundation for the chase. Although Deepak Chahar provided CSK with a breakthrough by dismissing Sharma, the platform was already set. Travis Head (31) and Aiden Markram (50) continued the momentum, adding 60 runs for the second wicket and taking SRH past the 100-run mark within 10 overs.
While Moeen Ali managed to pick up two wickets for CSK, it proved to be a case of too little too late. Shahbaz Ahmed (18), Heinrich Klaasen (10), and Nitish Reddy (14) ensured SRH chased down the target with 11 balls to spare and six wickets in hand.
Abhishek Sharma’s all-around performance, with a blistering 37-run knock off just 12 balls and an economical bowling spell, earned him the Player of the Match award.
With this win, SRH climbs to fifth place in the points table, having won two and lost two matches. CSK, despite the loss, remains third with a superior net run rate, also boasting a record of two wins and two losses.
Scorecard:
Chennai Super Kings: 165/5, Overs 20, Shivam Dube 45 (24), Shahbaz Ahmed 1/11
Sunrisers Hyderabad: 166/4, Overs 18.1, Aiden Markram 50 (36), Moeen Ali 2/23