The IPL has been one of the biggest cricket carnival and some of the fiercest rivalries between the top cricketing franchises. Among these battles is always the match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), that’s always exciting and pops up anticipation among cricket-loving fans. Usually, the two teams, which are rich with their respective strengths and strategies, produce a thrilling contest and makes the cricket lovers go ecstatic in watching. One such match is taken apart here in detail along with the details of its key moments, performances, and complete scorecard.
Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Teams Overview
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK is one of the most successful teams in IPL history, led by the icon Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Such steady performances, and team cohesion, have earned CSK the reputation of a strong contender in every season of the IPL. Mixing more experienced players with the young and talented along with relying on their captain’s incredible leadership, explosive batting, and versatile bowling attack has seen CSK always maintain the essence of balance within its squad.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH has a strong bowling side, a backbone of pacers and spinners who have consistently troubled their counterparts. With some big names to boast of- David Warner, Kane Williamson, and Rashid Khan – SRH has shown, time and again that it can give a stiff competition right till the end. SRH is known for its cautious yet aggressive style of batting, which is coupled with a potent bowling attack in depth, dependent on variations and accuracy.
Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Match Setting and Venue
This was a meeting played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, which is commonly referred to as CSK’s fortress. Historically, the Chepauk surface has been unyielding for teams looking to chase as it tends to favor the spinners. The stadium came alive as the match progressed with fans from all walks of lives coming to catch a glimpse of the favourite team.
It was set, then, for a match of cricket on a fine day with clear skies and moderate humidity. The track-although slow-was helping the spinners: an interesting battle between bat and ball seemed inevitable.
CSK vs SRH Toss and Teams
The toss was crucial given the track. CSK skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and chose to bat first, knowing a massive total would keep SRH under pressure on a turning track.
Both teams’ playing XIs are as follows:
Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI):
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Devon Conway
- Moeen Ali
- Ambati Rayudu
- Ravindra Jadeja
- MS Dhoni (c & wk)
- Shivam Dube
- Deepak Chahar
- Dwayne Bravo
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Mukesh Choudhary
Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI):
- Abhishek Sharma
- Kane Williamson (c)
- Rahul Tripathi
- Aiden Markram
- Nicholas Pooran (wk)
- Washington Sundar
- Abdul Samad
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Umran Malik
- T Natarajan
- Rashid Khan
Chennai Super Kings Batting (First Innings)
CSK started playing safe and prudent, as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway began opening. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umran Malik bowled closely to restrict CSK’s scoring in powerplay for Sunrisers. With a cautious start, Gaikwad looked to make use of his capacity to drive gaps with a number of boundaries.
Despite fine form from Gaikwad, SRH needed the breakthrough which came in the form of Rashid Khan dismissing Conway for 27 off 22 balls. The wicket saw the arrival of Moeen Ali, and the England all-rounder took charge with an aggressive knock, sharing a crucial partnership with Gaikwad. As CSK seemed all set for a huge total, Moeen walked back to the pavilion to a sharp bouncer from Umran Malik, leaving CSK at 102/2 in 13 overs.
MS Dhoni followed and played a vintage innings where he accelerate the run rate in the death overs. With a cameo from Ravindra Jadeja (21 off 12) along with Dhoni’s unbeaten 42 off 24 balls, CSK completed an able competitive total of 178/5 in their 20 overs.
CSK Innings Scorecard Summary:
- Ruturaj Gaikwad – 65 (49)
- Moeen Ali – 42 (30)
- MS Dhoni – 42* (24)
- Best Bowler for SRH: Rashid Khan (2/29)
Second Innings: Sunrisers Hyderabad Chase
Chasing 179 on a tricky pitch, SRH was up against an arduous task. Their innings began from a shaky base as Deepak Chahar sent Abhishek Sharma back to the pavilion for a duck in the very first over. Kane Williamson and Rahul Tripathi played a stabilizing role, but CSK spinners, led by Maheesh Theekshana and Ravindra Jadeja, mounted immense pressure.
Williamson got out to Jadeja’s sharp turner, for 30 off 26 balls. Aiden Markram and Rahul Tripathi kept the scoreboard ticking but struggled to find boundaries. Theekshana in particular was impressive, picking three wickets in his spell, which did not allow SRH’s momentum to swell.
The slog overs, however, were crucial for SRH to gain the much-needed 55 off the last five overs. In that stage of the match, Nicholas Pooran added a late flourish by hitting boundaries in succession from Bravo and Choudhary. SRH could eventually muster only 160/7 and was 18 runs short at the end.
Scorecard Summary of SRH Innings
- Rahul Tripathi – 45 (35)
- Kane Williamson – 30 (26)
- Nicholas Pooran – 36* (18)
- Best Bowler for CSK: Maheesh Theekshana (3/24)
Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Match Scorecard
| Chennai Super Kings | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
| Ruturaj Gaikwad | 65 | 49 | 132.65 |
| Devon Conway | 27 | 22 | 122.72 |
| Moeen Ali | 42 | 30 | 140.00 |
| MS Dhoni (not out) | 42 | 24 | 175.00 |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 21 | 12 | 175.00 |
Extras: 12
Total: 178/5 in 20 overs
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
| Rahul Tripathi | 45 | 35 | 128.57 |
| Kane Williamson | 30 | 26 | 115.38 |
| Nicholas Pooran | 36* | 18 | 200.00 |
Extras: 8
Total: 160/7 in 20 overs
Key Performances and Turning Points
- Ruturaj Gaikwad’s anchor innings laid the platform for CSK’s total, keeping up a good strike rate even as wickets fell at the other end.
- The turning point of the match was Maheesh Theekshana’s spell with three wickets that shattered the middle order of SRH.
- Nicholas Pooran fought well at the end, but the target ran too steep in the final overs for SRH to chase.
Conclusion
It was a high-voltage match between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, in which both teams were put to the test. The batting of CSK has been quite consistent, while bowling pretty disciplined, thanks largely to Theekshana. This just couldn’t be handled by SRH, even on the back of Pooran’s late heroics. This victory adds another memorable chapter in the storied rivalry between these two IPL powerhouses.
Also read about: – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals Match Scorecard