IPL 2018 Final: It's frustrating, but CSK were deserved winners: Kane Williamson
Shane Watson was back to his brutal best as the opener's scintillating unbeaten 117 runs helped Chennai Super Kings lift their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title, thrashing Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in the summit clash at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. (IPL 2018 FULL SCORECARD)
Making a comeback after serving two years of a ban, the Yellow Brigade stood up to their reputation of being one of the best team in the cash-rich league. The Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led side hunted down a competitive 179-run target against one of the best bowling attacks of the current season with nine balls to spare. (FULL HIGHLIGHTS: CSK VS SRH)
Watson was in devastating touch in his entire 57-ball innings, which comprised of 11 boundaries and eight massive hits into the stands.
The Australian along with Suresh Raina (32) forged a 117-run match-winning partnership to put Chennai ahead of their opponents.
Reflecting on the hard loss, SRH captain Kane Williamson said CSK were the deserved winners.
"We thought it would be a very competitve total. Hats off, Shane Watson comes and gets 120 not out in the final. It's frustrating, but CSK were deserved winners," Williamson said at the post-match press conference.
Earlier, put in to bat, Yusuf Pathan's unbeaten 45 runs off 25 balls along with skipper Kane Williamson's 47 helped Sunrisers Hyderabad post a competitive 178/6.
In a batting friendly track at the Wankhede stadium here, Yusuf, who came when the scoreboard was reading 101/3, played a good knock to propel Hyderabad to a good total in their 20 overs.
"A new bunch of guys in SRH, a great bunch of guys in the unit. Showed great character. It was a great experience leading this side, shame that we couldn't win the final.
"Every team is trying to find the balance between bat and ball. Rashid is a great asset for us. As a team we look back fondly on the season. It's a collective effort from the team," said Williamson.
