In 41st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019, Shane Watson brought back memories of last edition’s final with a blistering knock that has now ensured a play-off berth for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as they beat Sunrisers Hyderabad (CSK) by six wickets at MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.
On a vastly improved Chepauk track, Watson roared back to form with a 53-ball 96 as CSK stuttered a bit in end before winning on the penultimate delivery. Watson’s innings studded with nine fours and half a dozen of sixes ensured that CSK have reached the cut-off limit of 16 points needed for the play-off even though they would like to finish in the top two.
A 77-run stand between Watson and Suresh Raina (38) created the platform and the former Australia all-rounder single-handedly decimated the Sunrisers attack. What made it more difficult for the visiting team was the fact that their strike bowler Rashid Khan was pulverised by Watson, who took him to the cleaners with 44 runs coming off his 4 overs.
Also, the things got a bit heated between Rashid and Watson when the latter smashed the bowler for a ferocious boundary which went past the Afghan bowler. When Watson crossed Rashid after that boundary, the latter gave an intense look to the former.
Here’s the video:
What's going on, mate?#CSKvSRH pic.twitter.com/nz9HVrh6c5
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 23, 2019
Earlier, the immensely talented Manish Pandey was back in his element as his unbeaten 83 off 49 balls powered SRH to a competitive 175 for 3 after being put into bat.
Pandey and David Warner (57 off 45 balls) added 115 runs for the second wicket to lay the foundation for a decent score on what was the best batting track on offer at the Chepauk.
