44th Match: Hyderabad XI vs Chennai XI at Sharjah, Sep 30, 2021
Chennai Super Kings won by 6 wickets
Hyderabad XI 134/7 (20)
Chennai XI 139/4 (19.4)
RR: 7.07
Last 12 Balls: . . | . . 1 . 6
Last Wicket: AT Rayudu 16(12)
Josh Hazlewood is the player of the Match
MS Dhoni (CSK): It means a lot, because the last time, we said we wanted to come back strong. We are known for that and there was a lot at stake. You won't always win games and a lot didn't go our way last time, and it's important not to make excuses and we have done that this year. The boys did well to keep the momentum going, and they've taken responsibilties to keep all departments of the game in balance so the players and the support staff get the credit. The bounce of the wicket was different - instead of knee height, it was shin height, and once the batsmen figured out that they have to hit straight, they succeeded. The bowlers tried to swing it up front and got hit straight when then pitched it up too much, but then adjusted very well. If the off ball stopped, it started coming onto the bat later. Not much needs to be said of the fans, who have supported us through thick and thin and I'm glad we have repaid their faith.
Kane Williamson (SRH): Not quite enough runs. It wasn't an easy surface and although we didn't get enough we showed a fighting spirit in the last quarter with the ball. We need 10-15 extra runs with the bat though and we need to make those small changes. After the powerplay we were 40-something and although you feel like you want more, it was a good start on that surface. You want to score a few more runs though, but we saw some nice contributions from the lower order. We need to improve. This team is at the top of the table. If you make better decisions with the bat, the final score could have been a little more. CSK played really well. It looked challenging and variable. We are back to the drawing board. Although every match is about the W or the L against your name, you do look at the growth of the team. This season has been a bit disjointed given that it was played in two halves, but we'll look to grow and build some momentum.
CSK qualified for the play-offs 11 times out of 12, now. SRH, No.8, are the first team to be knocked out of IPL 2021.
Chennai Super Kings won by 6 wickets
19.4
6
6
Over 19.4 Siddarth Kaul bowls a good length delivery to MS Dhoni,Six! Opened up his stance and freed those muscular arms, and crashed it, as it sails into orbit.
