Abhishek Sharma’s explosive fifty and Eshan Malinga’s three-wicket haul power Sunrisers Hyderabad to a 10-run victory over Chennai Super Kings
SUNRISERS Hyderabad secured a tense 10-run victory over Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
The win was built on a trademark blistering half-century by Abhishek Sharma and a tight bowling spell from Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga.
After being put in to bat, Hyderabad posted a formidable 194-9 on the back of Abhishek’s 59 off 22 balls.
Veteran South Africa international Heinrich Klaasen provided crucial support with an innings of 59 off 39 deliveries.
Sunrisers got off to a flying start with openers Abhishek and Travis Head notching up 75 runs in the powerplay.
For Chennai, pacer Anshul Kamboj returned the most productive figures, taking three wickets for 22 runs.
In reply, five-time winners Chennai lost opener Sanju Samson cheaply for 7 off 3 balls.
Impact substitute Ayush Mhatre hit a quickfire 30 off 13, giving the chase momentum before a sharp catch by Klaasen ended his innings.
A flurry of quick wickets followed, stymying the run flow in the middle overs despite contributions from Matthew Short and Sarfaraz Khan.
Malinga’s spell of 3-29 was pivotal in restricting Chennai’s chase.
He was ably assisted by Indian all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who returned figures of 2-31 in his four overs.
Chennai skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad blamed the defeat on the lack of partnerships in the middle overs.
“It was just about 80 runs needed in (the last) 10 overs in the chase,” he said.
Sunrisers captain Ishan Kishan praised his young bowling attack for securing the win.
“Lovely when you have a bunch of young bowlers coming up with their plans,” said Kishan.
In the day’s earlier match, Delhi Capitals defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets.
South Africa’s David Miller struck two sixes and a four off consecutive deliveries in the final over to seal the win.
