Shane Watson Sheds Light On His IPL 2018 Final Knock For CSK

Australia’s strong opening batsman Shane Watson has recalled his century that he went on to score in the final of the 2018 season of the Indian Premier League, Shane Watson smashed a blistering hundred in IPL 2018 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Chasing a target of 179 runs, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the match by eight wickets to lift their third IPL title. What made it more special was the fact that CSK had returned from a 2-year ban in the same season.

Watson played a scintillating knock of 117 runs in just 57 balls to help CSK cross the finishing line. He stayed not out, and the right-hander smashed 11 boundaries and eight gigantic sixes during his stint at the crease. He was awarded the Man of the Match as he played a gruelling knock to win the final for his team.

Now, Shane Watson has recalled his innings in the IPL final and has revealed as to how he managed to perform exceptionally well in mattered the most.

Shane Watson Sheds Light On His IPL 2018 Final Century

Speaking to cricket.com.au on Unplayable Podcast, Watson said that his innings was a special one for him as he wanted to make amends for his performance in the IPL final two years ago for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“Hundred in the final for CSK was like icing on the cake. Two years before, I had played in the final for RCB, and even though I gave my all, I had an absolute shocker. Because of the overs that I bowled and at the position where I batted, towards the middle overs in the back of the innings, I absolutely stuffed it,” the former Aussie allrounder said.

I Blamed Myself For The Loss In IPL 2016 Final For RCB: Shane Watson

Watson added that he only blamed himself for RCB’s defeat in the final. Watson said he used the lessons he learnt from his failures in the final against CSK in 2018.

“I went for about 60 runs in my four overs. Ben Cutting got a real hold of me. I was trying my absolute best, maybe trying too hard, because I wanted to perform well. When batting, I got out at a really bad time, when I needed to stay on. I solely blamed myself for the loss,” Watson said.

“So, I had that on my back for the next couple of years. When I got a chance to play a final for CSK, I wanted to make amends. I thought I won’t try harder, but will use what I learnt from technical and mental perspectives. I need to be in better space – to try and perform better – hopefully play a match-winning innings,” he said.

“That was why it was more special. You wish you can have those innings in the final and it hardly ever happens. It was just meant to be my time,” the 38-year-old added.

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