In a commanding performance at Chepauk, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) clinched a decisive 78-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Sunday’s IPL 2024 clash. SRH, chasing a formidable total of 214, faltered early and never recovered.
SRH’s opening pair, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, began aggressively but were quickly contained by CSK’s bowlers. Tushar Deshpande struck in the second over, removing Head for 13, and Anmolpreet Singh, the Impact Player, was caught off his first ball. Deshpande continued his fine form by dismissing Sharma, caught by Daryl Mitchell at deep point.
Aiden Markram and Nitish Reddy attempted to stabilize the innings, but the increasing run rate and tight bowling stifled their efforts. Ravindra Jadeja took Reddy’s wicket in the ninth over, and soon after, Matheesha Pathirana bowled Markram with a precise yorker, leaving SRH struggling at 134 all out.
Earlier, CSK set a high bar with Ruturaj Gaikwad leading the charge with a near-century. Gaikwad’s 98 off just 52 balls, coupled with Mitchell’s supportive fifty, laid a strong foundation. Shivam Dube’s explosive batting towards the end propelled CSK past 200, setting up a challenging target.
CSK’s bowling was tight, effectively dismantling SRH’s lineup and ensuring that pressure was constant. Deshpande, with a four-wicket haul, and Pathirana, with crucial breakthroughs, were instrumental in derailing SRH’s chase.
This victory marked a return to form for CSK at their home ground, positioning them strongly as contenders in the tournament.
