IPL 2018: Stephen Fleming Happy to See CSK Qualifying for the Playoffs

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach, Stephen Fleming has expressed his excitement after his side reached the playoffs in the eleventh season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Meanwhile, CSK have qualified for the playoffs in all the seasons they have participated so far. They became the second team after Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to book a spot in the top four.

However, they absolutely dominated the table-toppers Hyderabad to seal the spot. They banked on Ambati Rayudu’s brilliant hundred to beat the Sunrisers by eight wickets at the Maharastra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune.

Batting first, Hyderabad posted 179 runs on the board banking on Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson’s brilliant fifties each. Dhawan brought his second hundred while Williamson notched his fifth consecutive fifty to post a huge total.

Deepak Chahar was outstanding with the new ball returning with one for 16 in his full quota.

In reply, however, Chennai got off to a flier courtesy Shane Watson and Amabati Rayudu. The pair added 134 runs for the first wicket before Watson (57) departed.

Meanwhile, Rayudu continued with his purple patch, as he brought his hundred to see his team through. His knock included seven boundaries and sixes eaches to bring his century.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni played a secondary role as he remained unbeaten on 20 runs overhaul the target with ease. As a result, the Super Kings have now 16 points from 12 games.

Stephen Fleming excited after qualifying:

Former New Zealand skipper Fleming expressed his excitement after his team sealed the spot. Moreover, he also wished luck to all the team for the crucial week ahead.

Always great to see the ‘Q’ beside our teams name however it’s only the first step in what has been the most even IPL to date. Big final week ahead so good luck to all.

— Stephen Fleming (@SPFleming7) May 14, 2018

“Always great to see the ‘Q’ beside our teams name however it’s only the first step in what has been the most even IPL to date. Big final week ahead so good luck to all,” the tweet read.

Meanwhile, CSK plays Delhi Daredevils next at the Feroz Shah Kotla on May 18.

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