Chennai Super Kings cruised to a comprehensive 64-run victory over Rajasthan Royals at their new home in Pune and jumped to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 standings on Friday.
The third victory in four games helped CSK leapfrogged Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab in the table – all have equal six points – with better net run-rates. Royals remained at fifth with four points from five games.
CSK posted 204/5 after put in to bat as Shane Watson (106) scored his third IPL hundred against his old team. And the bowlers clicked in unison to bowl out Royals for 140 in 18.3 overs.
Six bowlers were among the wickets for CSK, with Dwayne Bravo (2/16), Karn Sharma (2/13), Shardul Thakur (2/18) and Deepak Chahar (2/30) sharing eight wickets while Watson and Imran Tahir chipped in with a wicket each.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to CSK’s win over RR:
#RR completely outplayed. CSK found a new overseas hero in every win thus far…Bravo, Billings and now, Watson. On the other hand, RR’s overseas stars not shining bright enough… #CSKvRR #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) April 20, 2018
What a resounding win for @ChennaiIPL . Watson century, Raina scoring runs, all bowlers chipping in , adapting very quickly to the new home, Pune. But the #WhistlePodu express train idea and the support of the fans for me was the standout. The most amazing fans #CSKvsRR
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 20, 2018
As a bowler myself, feels great to see bowlers win games for the team. Especially on a cracker of a wicket favouring batsmen. #CSKvRR #VIVOIPL
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) April 20, 2018
What a smashing innings @ShaneRWatson33! Another win for @ChennaiIPL #CSKvsRR
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) April 20, 2018
What an inns from watto.Legends always remain https://t.co/RR0yoP4VEi thankful 4 d fans coming all the way from chennai supporting us.Really humbled by ur love n support.@ChennaiIPL nenaicha allikittu varathukku mannu nu nenaichiya malai da annamalai #eduda vandiya poduda whistle
— Imran Tahir (@ImranTahirSA) April 20, 2018
A new wind is blowing in week 2. Bat first, put up a good score and suck the life out of the run-chase…….
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 20, 2018
Giiiddy upppp what a knock @ShaneRWatson33 & great to have @ImRaina back as well! Class win @ChennaiIPL ; next stop Hyderabad! 🦁 #WhistlePodu 🙌🏼
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) April 20, 2018
Age is just a number in this #VIVOIPL 38 = 💯@henrygayle & 36 = 💯@ShaneRWatson33 👌🏽👊🏽👍🏽👏🏽🙏🏽
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) April 20, 2018
And all of us say T20 is a young man's game. Well, Really? 'Not at all my son' says Watson. It was Gayle the other day and @ShaneRWatson33 today. 'Watto' Player @ChennaiIPL #CSKvRR
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) April 20, 2018
https://twitter.com/david_willey/status/987434685037867008
Feeling the might of @ChennaiIPL and @CSKFansOfficial tonight @rajasthanroyals #givejadduabowl @IPL @StarSportsIndia
— Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) April 20, 2018
Some serious batting by these old boys 😂😂💪💪 @ShaneRWatson33 @henrygayle https://t.co/sZFrqStBEV
— Damien Martyn🏏 (@damienmartyn) April 20, 2018
Man of the match Shane Watson #IPL2018 #CSKvRR #RRvCSK pic.twitter.com/8dX8bRi2Y8
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/rohithd5321/status/987370111400112129
https://twitter.com/SamreenRazzaqui/status/987359922357760000
What a treat for our #WhistlePoduExpress at the #DenAwayFromDen! #WhistlePodu #CSKvRR #Yellove pic.twitter.com/rmTswbFvSI
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 20, 2018
Papa, @henrygayle Uncle scored a Ton, can you beat that ?
Wat Son ? Oh ok, Your wish granted !!! @ShaneRWatson33 #yellove #CSKvRR @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/lhTY0d9WcR— WhistlePodu Army ® – CSK Fan Club (@CSKFansOfficial) April 20, 2018
