Chennai Super Kings (CSK) scripted history, as they came back after two years to lift the much-coveted trophy for the third time beating Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets at the Wankhede Stadium.
Meanwhile, many doubted on Chennai’s ability after the mega auctions, as most of their average squad size were over 30. However, they rest aside all the speculations with all their senior cricketers contributing significantly to their success.
Shikhar Dhawan and skipper Kane Williamson got Hyderabad to a good start after losing the early wicket of Shreevats Goswami. The pair added 51 before Dhawan departed, however, Williamson (47) continued his outstanding form.
Further, Yusuf Pathan played a blinder of an innings after he came to the crease at the 101 for three. Pathan remained unbeaten on 45 runs from just 25 deliveries including four boundaries and two sixes, as Hyderabad finished on 178 at the loss of six wickets.
However, Chennai came back brilliantly in the last two overs to keep the score within 180. Lungi Ngidi finished his debut stint in India on a high with an impressive figure of one for 26 in his four overs. In reply, Chennai got off to a very slow start seeing off the new ball. They managed to score 35 runs for the loss of one wicket at the end of the powerplay overs.
Since then it has been one person show with Shane Watson dominating the best bowling attack of the tournament. He brought his second IPL century of this season in just 51 deliveries to become the fourth batsmen to achieve so.
Meanwhile, Chennai scripted a spectacular comeback, as they reached the target with nine balls to spare as Watson remained unbeaten on 117 runs from 57 balls.
Post CSK’s win, the cricketers, and former cricketers can’t stop talking and expressed their feeling on social media. They hailed Watson and Chennai for proving the criticisers wrong by putting a hand on the trophy.
Here is the how the cricketers reacted witnessing a history:
An unbeaten century in a successful run chase of a T20 final. Sensational Watson. And a timely reminder of the fact that #SRH conceded 4 centuries this season….arguably the best bowling line-up? #CSKvSRH #IPLFinal
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 27, 2018
That's got to be the best knock in the #IPLfinal history surely? @SunRisers have been the team to beat throughout the tournament and they can be extremely proud.Sometimes you can't do anything when an individual plays like that.Hats off #shanewatson and well deserved @ChennaiIPL
— Brendan Taylor (@BrendanTaylor86) May 27, 2018
From WHY Watson to WHY NOT Watson, what a ride, take a bow .. #Champ #IPL2018Final #CSKvSRH
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) May 27, 2018
Give Watson ten dot balls at the start of every innings then……
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 27, 2018
Very proud of the way @SunRisers played in this IPL, I thank each and every member of the @SunRisers family for their efforts and support. Absolutely brilliant knock from Shane Watson and many congratulations to @ChennaiIPL on a well-deserved victory #IPLfinal2018
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 27, 2018
Shane Watson……. Doesn’t matter how Old you are……… #IPL2018Final
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) May 27, 2018
Big match players… shine on the big stage. Shane Watson just took to the stage; like he owns it @IPL #Final @ChennaiIPL #CSKvSRH
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) May 27, 2018
Seriously good knock by @ShaneRWatson33 well done mate simply amazing to watch. Not the result @SunRisers wanted but you have to pat yourselves on the back and say well done for the way you played throughout the tournament ?
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) May 27, 2018
Very very special performance @ChennaiIPL @ShaneRWatson33 take a bow mate…#crushedit God Bless you all as our beloved festival of @IPL comes to a conclusion. Love you India❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/sDHeLJucwq
— Matthew Hayden AM (@HaydosTweets) May 27, 2018
Congratulations Chennai Superkings on becoming deserving champions of the biggest T20 tournament in the world. Brilliant throughout the tournament and the wonderful people from Chennai and whole of TN deserve this @ChennaiIPL . #IPL2018Final
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 27, 2018
Well done, @ChennaiIPL. A great display of quality cricket. Certainly the most consistent side of the tournament. A special knock from @ShaneRWatson33 in a crucial game which saw them through. #CSKvSRH #IPL2018Final pic.twitter.com/HhuaQJPbEF
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 27, 2018
3/4 months back before the auction I mentioned this ?And it happened #believe it and become whatever u want to #4th IPL trophy for me????? @ChennaiIPL #whitslepodu pic.twitter.com/UjkfdhLRhO
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 28, 2018
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