Klaasen, Kishan ace tricky chase to power SRH into the playoffs

On a two-paced surface, Chennai Super Kings posted 180/7 – a competitive total. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by fine knocks from Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, surpassed the total with an over to spare, securing their qualification to the playoffs.

Brief Scores: Chennai Super Kings 180/7 in 20 overs (Dewald Brevis 44, Kartik Sharma 32, Sanju Samson 27; Pat Cummins 3-28) lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad 181/5 in 19 overs (Ishan Kishan 70, Heinrich Klaasen 47; Mukesh Choudhary 2-36)

Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. They took charge at different times, but their 75-run stand followed by Kishan's flourish ensured SRH were never pushed out of the chase despite the rising required rate.

No MSD in CSK's last home game

Ruturaj Gaikwad announced at the toss: "He's not fit enough to play this game. Hopefully we win this one and you'll never know in the last game."

Citing the dry surface, CSK opted to bat – the first time in three years they made such a decision at home.

Sanju, Urvil cut loose; Gaikwad struggles

Sanju Samson provided a brisk start, pumping the first legitimate delivery for a six. His 13-ball cameo gave CSK early momentum. Urvil Patel hit a couple of boundaries but struggled against slower deliveries. Gaikwad found no answer to cutters, managing a painful 21-ball 15 before mistiming a pull in the 12th over.

Kartik and Brevis provide the punch

On a surface where timing was difficult, Kartik Sharma (32) and Dewald Brevis (44) made good use of opportunities. A 59-run stand between Brevis and Shivam Dube laid the foundation for an impressive total, including 18 runs off Nitish Kumar in the 14th over. Both departed trying to go big, but CSK managed a competitive score.

Kishan and Klaasen take charge

Kishan walked in with intent after Travis Head's early dismissal. While the top order struggled to explode, Klaasen looked assured from the start. He survived a dropped catch off Noor Ahmad, which proved costly as he smashed 47 off 26 balls. Their 75-run stand came off just 41 balls.

With 23 needed off 14 balls, Kishan moved towards offside and crunched a powerful shot down the ground, ending the over with a pull over deep square leg. He fell in the next over, but Smaran Ravichandran hit a boundary off the last ball to seal the win.

Where do they stand?

Sunrisers Hyderabad qualified for the playoffs, also ensuring Gujarat Titans' qualification. Chennai Super Kings must rely on permutations.

What's next?

Chennai Super Kings head to Ahmedabad to face Gujarat Titans on May 21. Sunrisers Hyderabad host RCB on Friday (May 22).