IPL 2018: Rayudu guides CSK to victory against SRH
What's the story
Chennai Super Kings claimed a crucial 8 wicket victory over table toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in Pune. Batting first, the Sunrisers posted 179/4 courtesy of half-centuries from Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson. In response, Chennai Super Kings made a light work of the target with openers Rayudu (100*) and Watson (57) giving them a brilliant start. Here are the important stats.
Double blow
Dhawan and Williamson's heroics go in vain
Sunrisers Hyderabad got off to a brilliant start despite losing Alex Hales early. Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson stitched a 123 run partnership. CSK then hit back hard with back to back dismissals of Dhawan and Williamson. A late cameo from Deepak Hooda helped the Sunrisers Hyderabad to reach 179.
Red hot
Rayudu proves too good for the best attack
Sunrisers Hyderabad might boast the best bowling attack in the IPL but the bowlers were not lethal enough against the experienced Chennai Super Kings. CSK openers Rayudu and Watson had a 134 run opening stand. Sunrisers hit back with the dismissal of Watson, but Rayudu proved to be too good as he scored his maiden IPL century to guide CSK home.
Leading by example
Williamson joins the list of elite IPL captains
Kane Williamson has now joined the list of most fifty-plus scores by a captain in an IPL season. Williamson has 7 fifties under his belt this season. David Warner had 7 50+ scores in 2015 and 9 in 2016. Virat Kohli's record-breaking 2016 season saw the Royal Challengers captain post 11 50-plus scores in a single season.
Form of his life
Rayudu scores maiden IPL hundred
Ambati Rayudu is the 4th man to score a ton in this edition of the IPL. Rayudu is also the 4th to reach the 500 run mark this season. Rayudu now has three 75 plus scores this season. Rishabh Pant and Shikhar Dhawan are the players to with three 75 plus scores to their names.