NEWS
Follow UsJosh Hazlewood produced a match-winning spell of 3 for 24, that heloed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) restrict Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to a modest 134 for 7. Ruturaj Gaikwad (45) and Faf du PLessis (41) led from the front in the run-chase as CSK won the match by six wickets and became the first team to qualify for the playoffs.
Speaking of his stint with CSK, Hazlewood said that he has learnt a lot from Dwayne Bravo over the last few weeks, which has been a great learning curve.
"I put in a lot of hard work and learnt a lot every game. It's hard to learn since there's a different team every game, but it's satisfying. Getting Roy was a big wicket, and it was good to put the pressure back on them early," Hazlewood said at the post-match presentation.
"The wicket offered a little bit, it was on the slower side and a little low as well. We are happy we are applying whatever we are doing in the practice. It's good to learn from DJ Bravo over the last few weeks too, and it's been a great learning curve for me," he added.
Hazlewood's skipper MS Dhoni too was a pleased man, especially with the way they turned things around after failing to qualify for the playoffs last season. for the first time in their history. "It means a lot, because the last time, we said we wanted to come back strong. We are known for that and there was a lot at stake," Dhoni said.
"You won't always win games and a lot didn't go our way last time, and it's important not to make excuses and we have done that this year. The boys did well to keep the momentum going, and they've taken responsibilities to keep all departments of the game in balance so the players and the support staff get the credit," he further added.
Despite losing the game, SRH skipper Kane Williamson is happy with the fighting spirit shown by his players. "Not quite enough runs. It wasn't an easy surface and although we didn't get enough we showed a fighting spirit in the last quarter with the ball. We need 10-15 extra runs with the bat though and we need to make those small changes," Williamson reflected after the match.
CSK are in action next against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday (October 2) in Abu Dhabi, while SRH play Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) the following day in Dubai.